Hallmark Guide
Understanding Hallmarks
Every piece of precious metal jewellery sold by Andrew McCulloch Jewellers is hallmarked in accordance with UK hallmarking legislation where required. A hallmark is your assurance that your jewellery has been independently tested and verified for its precious metal content by a UK Assay Office.
What Is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is an official series of marks applied to precious metal jewellery by a UK Assay Office. It confirms the type and purity of the precious metal and provides assurance that the item meets the legal standards required for sale within the United Kingdom.
Why Hallmarking Is Important
Hallmarking provides independent verification of a jewellery item's precious metal content, helping to protect consumers and giving confidence that the jewellery has been tested and accurately described.
Our Commitment to Hallmarking
At Andrew McCulloch Jewellers, every item of jewellery requiring hallmarking is submitted to a UK Assay Office before being offered for sale. We are committed to ensuring our customers receive jewellery that complies with UK hallmarking legislation and meets the highest standards of quality.
Our Sponsor's Mark
Bespoke jewellery and jewellery manufactured by Andrew McCulloch Jewellers carries our own registered Sponsor's Mark. This unique mark identifies us as the company responsible for submitting the jewellery for hallmarking and demonstrates our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and authenticity.
What Does a Hallmark Include?
A UK hallmark may include several official marks, including the Sponsor's Mark, the precious metal fineness mark, the Assay Office mark and, where applicable, an optional commemorative mark. Together, these marks provide assurance of the jewellery's authenticity and precious metal content.
Precious Metal Purity Marks
Common UK fineness marks include 375 for 9ct gold, 585 for 14ct gold, 750 for 18ct gold, 916 for 22ct gold, 925 for sterling silver, 950 for platinum and 950 for palladium.
UK Assay Offices
Jewellery in the United Kingdom is hallmarked by one of the four Assay Offices located in London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh. Each Assay Office has its own distinctive mark identifying where the jewellery was tested and hallmarked.
Need Help Identifying a Hallmark?
If you have any questions about the hallmarks on your jewellery or would like assistance identifying a Sponsor's Mark or precious metal mark, our experienced team will be happy to help.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about hallmarking or the precious metals used in our jewellery, please contact Andrew McCulloch Jewellers or visit our showroom. We are always happy to share our knowledge and help you understand the quality behind every piece we create.
Visit us
McCulloch Jewellers, 7 The Square, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2JG. Telephone 0115 925 7552.