When you purchase a piece of fine jewellery, how can you be certain it is exactly what it claims to be? Whether it’s 18ct gold, sterling silver, or platinum, the answer lies in a trusted system that has existed for centuries: hallmarking.
Hallmarks are official stamps applied to precious metal jewellery and objects to verify their metal content and authenticity. In the UK and Ireland, hallmarking is a legal requirement for gold and palladium items weighing one gram or more, platinum items weighing 0.5 grams or more, and silver items over 7.78 grams. Anything above these thresholds must be independently tested and stamped by an Assay Office.
Ireland’s hallmarking system is steeped in history, with the Dublin Assay Office founded in 1637. Every piece hallmarked in Ireland features the iconic harp symbol, often accompanied by the Hibernia mark, signifying genuine Irish verification.
A full hallmark usually contains three compulsory marks:
Sponsor’s Mark: This identifies the maker or sponsor with unique initials inside a shield shape. For example, Moores Jewellers would have its own distinctive sponsor mark.
Fineness Mark: This shows the purity of the metal. For example, 375 means 9ct gold, 750 is 18ct gold, 925 is sterling silver, and 950 indicates platinum.
Assay Office Mark: This confirms where the testing and stamping took place. For Irish-made jewellery, it’s the crowned harp of Dublin.
You may also see a date letter, which shows the year the item was hallmarked. Traditional fineness symbols, such as a crown for gold or a lion passant for silver, may also appear, particularly on older pieces.
Marks like GP or GF mean gold-plated and gold-filled, not solid gold. Jewellery made outside the UK or Ireland may have entirely different hallmarking systems, so it’s essential to look for trusted Irish or UK hallmarks to verify authenticity.
Hallmarks protect consumers by guaranteeing the precious metal content of jewellery. Without them, there’s no independent assurance of quality. Moores Jewellers ensures that every piece we sell above the legal threshold is hallmarked in full compliance with Irish law, providing complete peace of mind.
Our experts can help you read and verify hallmarks on your existing jewellery. We also test and assess older or inherited items and provide detailed valuation reports that include hallmark verification for insurance purposes.
In summary, hallmarking is a crucial safeguard in fine jewellery. Visit Moores Jewellers to explore our range of expertly verified and hallmarked pieces or bring in your jewellery for a hallmark consultation.
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