Free Shipping

What do Hallmarks mean on Jewellery? 

hancocks featured 1

At Hancocks, we pride ourselves on offering jewellery of the highest quality. A crucial part of our commitment is ensuring that every piece meets the standards of hallmarking. What exactly do these tiny marks mean? Let’s delve into the world of hallmarks and discover the story they tell about your jewellery.

What is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is a small, legally required mark applied to precious metal items to guarantee their purity. It’s a bit like a passport for your jewellery, providing essential information about its metal content.

The Components of a Hallmark

A typical hallmark consists of several elements:

  • The Sponsor’s Mark: This identifies the assay office that tested and marked the item. In the UK, there are four assay offices: London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh.
  • The Fineness Mark: This indicates the purity of the metal. For example, 925 denotes sterling silver, while 750 signifies 18 carat gold.
  • The Date Letter specifies the evaluation year of the item
  • The Crown Mark: This is a symbol of the United Kingdom’s Assay System.

Why Are Hallmarks Important?

Hallmarks offer several benefits:

  • Guaranteeing Purity: You can be confident that your jewellery is made from the specified metal.
  • Preserving Value: Hallmarked items maintain their value better over time.
  • Identifying Authenticity: Hallmarks help to distinguish genuine jewellery from counterfeits.
jewellery hallmark infographic

Hancocks and Hallmarks

 At Hancocks, we pride ourselves on exceptional jewellery craftsmanship. Every precious metal piece we sell is hallmarked, so our customers can confidently enjoy their treasured items.

Call into our King Street Manchester store, book an appointment, or view the entire range of Hancocks jewellery here.