What is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is an official mark applied by an independent UK Assay Office confirming the precious metal content of an item.
Hallmarking Information
At Berry's Jewellers, we are committed to supplying genuine precious metal jewellery that complies with UK hallmarking legislation. Hallmarking provides independent assurance of precious metal content and helps protect customers when purchasing fine jewellery.
Why is Hallmarking Important?
Hallmarking is one of the oldest forms of consumer protection and is required by law for most qualifying precious metal articles.
Our Commitment
Where required by law, qualifying precious metal jewellery sold by Berry's Jewellers is hallmarked before sale.
Dealer's Notice
Berry's Jewellers displays the official Dealer's Notice in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973.
The current official Dealer's Notice should also be made available to customers purchasing precious metal jewellery.
The Dealer's Notice explains the compulsory hallmarking marks and recognised UK Assay Office symbols used on qualifying precious metal articles.
How to Read a UK Hallmark
A hallmark contains a series of marks that provide information about the precious metal article. Three core elements are especially important.
Sponsor's Mark
Identifies the business or person responsible for submitting the article for hallmarking.
Fineness Mark
Confirms the purity or fineness of the precious metal used in the article.
Assay Office Mark
Identifies the UK Assay Office that tested and hallmarked the article.
UK Assay Offices
The United Kingdom has four Assay Offices responsible for testing and hallmarking qualifying precious metal articles.
London
Birmingham
Sheffield
Edinburgh
Does Every Precious Metal Item Need a Hallmark?
Some very lightweight precious metal articles are legally exempt from compulsory hallmarking under UK legislation.
An exemption from hallmarking does not mean an item is not genuine precious metal.
It means that the article falls within a legal exemption from compulsory hallmarking.
Hallmarking FAQs
Is hallmarking a legal requirement?
Most qualifying precious metal jewellery sold in the UK must be hallmarked before sale, subject to the exemptions provided by UK hallmarking legislation.
How do I know my jewellery is genuine?
Where legally required, your jewellery will carry an official UK hallmark applied by an authorised Assay Office, confirming the relevant precious metal fineness.
What does the fineness number mean?
The fineness mark indicates the proportion of precious metal within the alloy. If you would like help identifying the hallmark on a Berry's jewellery item, our team will be happy to assist.
Can a genuine precious metal item be sold without a hallmark?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Some very lightweight precious metal articles fall within legal hallmarking exemptions.
Further Hallmarking Information
For more information about UK hallmarking and precious metals, use the official resources below or explore the Berry's Jewellery Academy.
View the Dealer’s Notice
Open Dealer’s Notice PDF
Opens in a new tab so you can zoom in or save a copy.
Hallmarking requirements are governed by UK legislation. The official Dealer's Notice and current UK Government hallmarking guidance should be used where detailed legal information is required.