Gold Hallmarks: A Guide to Understanding the Marks on Gold
What is a gold hallmark?
A gold hallmark is a mark stamped or moulded into a gold item to indicate its authenticity and purity. This mark will act as a guarantee that the piece meets certain standards, ensuring that a buyer can trust the quality of a gold item.
Due to gold being a soft metal that can be easily damaged when used or worn, it is often alloyed with other stronger metals to make it more durable for use in items such as jewellery and currency coins. A hallmark will state the details of the purity of gold that the item is made from, as well as information on the manufacturer or sponsor of the piece, making it easier for a valuation to be made.
What do the different markings on gold mean?
Hallmarked gold items should legally have a minimum of three hallmarks:
- The maker or sponsor mark: This is the maker or manufacturer of the item and usually consists of two or three letters representing the name of the manufacturer or business.
- The standard mark: This shows the purity (fineness) of the metal in parts per thousand. For example, a 375 hallmark would mean that the item is 37.5% pure gold, and contain 375 parts of fine gold, with the remaining 625 parts being another metal. UK gold standard marks include:
- 999: Fine gold
- 916: 22ct gold
- 750: 18ct gold
- 585: 14ct gold
- 375: 9ct gold
- The assay office mark: This shows a symbol detailing the assay office that carried out the testing of the item. The UK currently has four assay offices, each of which has its own symbol:
- Birmingham: Anchor
- Edinburgh (Assay Office Scotland): Castle, thistle, or lion
- London: Leopard’s head
- Sheffield: Crown or Yorkshire rose
Another (optional) hallmark that can be included is the gold date mark. This is shown as a letter within a frame, both of which correspond to the year that the gold piece was hallmarked and can help to find out the age of the item.
The history of gold hallmarks in the UK
Gold hallmarks are considered to be one of the earliest forms of consumer protection, with a history in the UK dating as far back as the 14th century.
Testing of gold was first carried out by ‘The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’ who met at Goldsmiths Hall, London, and became England’s official testers for gold. Their stamps became known as ‘hallmarks’.
Today, hallmarking is carried out by regulated assay offices in cities across the UK, located in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh, and Sheffield (though there used to be more). These offices independently test gold and silver items to determine their purity. The UK has been part of the International Convention of Hallmarks since the 1970s, which has successfully standardised hallmarks around the world. Any gold item, weighing over one gram must be hallmarked by an assay office, with a few exceptions.
Do gold coins and bars have a hallmark?
Legally, an item sold as gold and weighing more than one gram must be hallmarked by an assay office - however, this does not apply to gold bars and coins. Instead, governments and mints guarantee the gold content of their gold coins in order for bullion buyers to assess their value. Gold bars are considered to be raw materials and not finished products so are also exempt from hallmarking. Mints and refiners will usually stamp their coins and bars with the details of the product’s weight and fineness instead of a hallmark.
Selling your hallmarked gold
Here at Atkinsons, we buy gold coins and bars, and we also buy hallmarked gold jewellery. This can include gold jewellery items in good condition, as well as gold jewellery that may be unused or broken. We also buy scrap gold. We have over 34 years of experience in the precious metals industry, so if you wish to sell your gold items to us, you can do so with ease and count on a fair price without any hidden fees. For more details on selling your gold jewellery, coins, or bars to us, visit our ‘sell to us’ page or call us on 0121 355 0620.
In conclusion
Gold hallmarks have played a crucial role in the verification of gold items for centuries. By understanding the different marks you see on your gold items, you can be confident that the piece you own is genuine, as well as assess the story and value of your gold.
This blog represents one person’s opinion only. Please note, gold and silver prices may go down as well as up. Atkinsons Bullion & Coins accepts no responsibility for any losses based on information we have provided. We do not offer investment advice. Please carry out your own research before making an investment decision.
