Hallmarking

To sell precious metals legally in the UK, any articles over the exemption weight must bear a hallmark. This can be done by submitting them to an Assay Office

The sponsor’s mark, fineness mark and the assay office mark are compulsory marks. The crown on gold, the lion passant for 925 silver, the Britannia mark for 958 silver and the orb for 950 platinum and the date letter in all cases are voluntary additional marks.

Articles below a certain weight are exempt from hallmarking. The exemption weight is based on the weight of the precious metal in the article, excluding, for example, diamonds, stones etc., except in the case of articles consisting of precious metal and base metal in which case the exemption weight is based on the total metal weight:

• Silver 7.78 grams
• Palladium 1.0 gram
• Gold 1.0 gram
• Platinum 0.5 grams

Section 11 of the Hallmarking Act 1973 requires:Dealers to exhibit notices as to hallmarks.