Learn About Hallmarking

What is a Hallmark?

Hallmarking of precious metals provides a visible symbol representing the metal type and purity.

The Hallmark may be made up of one or several elemants depending on the country of origin. In the UK the mark is made up of several elements including the year of the marking (the year starts on May 19th - St. Dunstans Day - Patron saint of Gold and Silversmiths), The maker or sponsors mark (this is the person responsible for the marking) and a mark denoting the type of metal.

Interestingly, the United States has no official hallmarking standard. They do however require a responsibility (sponsors) mark once a claim of purity or fineness is being made.

Examples of Hallmarks

Gold Hallmark Purity Guide

• .999 = 24 carat = 99.9%
• .916 = 22 carat = 91.6%
• .750 = 18 carat = 75%
• .585 = 14 carat = 58.5%
• .375 = 9 carat = 37.5%

Gold bearing a hallmark must be at least the purity (fineness) claimed.

Silver Hallmark Purity Guide

• .999 = Fine Silver = 99.9%
• .958 = Britannia Silver = 95.8%
• .925 = Sterling Silver = 92.5%
• .800 = 80%

Silver is not always marked with a number. For example Sterling silver from the UK is marked with a lion symbol while Britannia Silver is sometimes marked with a seated Britannia with a shield. The Britannia standard replaced the Sterling Standard between 1697 and the mid 1720s to stop the practice of melting down coins to make other items.

Platinum Hallmark Purity Guide

• .999 = 99.9%
• .950 = 95%
• .900 = 90%
• .850 = 85%

More on Hallmarking

Throughout different countries and different decades there have been many different hallmark symbols used. If in doubt ask a reputable jeweller.

In 1973 a number of European Member states signed the Vienna Convention and with it came the Common Control Mark (see example below). This made selling across borders easier.