Hallmarking

Hallmarking is a quality control mechanism for jewellery and other items made of precious metal. It is applied after accurate independent testing by an Assay Office. A hallmark shows who made the piece, what is it made of, the fineness of the precious metal, and where it was assayed. A hallmark must consist of at least three compulsory marks; a Sponsor’s mark (Maker’s mark), a Metal Fineness mark, and an Assay Office town mark. Below is an example of a hallmark for a sterling silver item.

EMT (Maker’s mark) , 925 ( Metal Fineness mark), Castle (Assay Office town mark for Edinburgh)

Date mark is not compulsory but if you require the date (year) letter can be added to the above hallmarking sequence.
Not every items needs to be hallmarked. Legally any silver item weigh more than 7.78gr needs to carry the hallmark proof. You can find out more on legal requirements on the deal’s notice.

Silverkupe jewellery hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office.
Watch the below video for more info or alternatively you can find the current hallmarking law here.