A Brief Introduction to Hallmarking

Hallmarking in the UK began in the 1300s under the leadership of Edward I. This process involved precious metal testing and marking. The system has evolved to protect consumers from fraud and unfair competition.

Though Silver was the first standard during this time period, UK jewellers now focus on all the precious metals including gold, platinum and palladium.

What is So Special About the British System of Hallmarking?

This British system is unique and presents variety to its consumers. The process determines the purity of silver through visual inspection and assigns a value based upon pre-determined standards. To be qualified as Sterling, the specimen must have at least 925 parts silver to every thousand parts.

The assay office will also assess any identifying marks, the year of manufacture, the maker and the original town of assay. Because of the unique system, British silver has always been highly regarded in the world of precious metals.

By 1973, a new Hallmarking Act was passed to rid the system of complexities and other anomalies. The simplified system used a date letter system that was easier to remember and understand. Each town has their registered silversmiths and each had different marks to reflect changes over their career.

What is the Sterling Silver Hallmarking Process?

To be sold commercially, sterling precious metals must be stamped with hallmarks to indicate the purity. This purity marking is regulated by the national assayer’s office. A hammer and punch are used to apply hallmarks. The process typically leaves metal spurs and sharp edges. A final polishing is necessary after hallmarking to smooth the rough edges.

The hallmarking process usually supplies information such as:

Assayer’s Mark. The stamp of purity is known as the assayer’s mark. The Lion Passant is often present when silver meets the Sterling standard of purity. This standard was necessary in the early 1700s. The process prevented silver journeymen from melting British coins into silver plating.

Date Mark. The date mark indicates the year when the piece was created. Many experts use the shape where the letter is stamped, the typeface and the case of the letter to determine the year the silver was created.

City Mark. This mark is used to indicate the city where the silver was originally assayed. Symbols are used as indicators. For instance, Sheffield is represented by a crown and Birmingham by an anchor.

Maker’s Mark. This particular hallmark is unique to the silver maker and consists of a set of initials placed inside of an escutcheon.

Most of these hallmarks are still in use today despite the variety of changes in the system. Two hallmarks have been discontinued. In 1784, British law dictated that a duty mark should be applied. The marking on products indicated that the requisite tax had been paid. By 1890, the mark was discontinued.

The tally mark has also been marked the completion of the apprenticeship. The marks recorded each piece made by a journeyman so that they could be paid. Each mark was unique. The tally mark was also discontinued.

Conclusion

Silver hallmarks are still necessary today to indicate the purity of silver. Purchasers and appraisers often rely on these marks to determine the price and value of the piece. Hallmarking continues to be a necessary task in the modern production of precious metal products.

By purchasesilver.co.uk

Monday, January 09, 2012