From newly acquired pieces to time-honoured heirlooms – jewellery is more than just a mere accessory. For many, the pieces we wear symbolise our personal journey, traditions and loves. While the significance of our jewellery is beyond measure, knowing its authenticity deepens our connection and allows us to cherish it even more.
The Laings Journal
Understanding jewellery hallmarking is the first step to ensuring your jewellery’s authenticity at home. At Laings, we offer hallmarking for our fine jewellery that helps authenticate the purity and quality of precious metals. Providing clients with confidence in the calibre of their jewellery. Ensuring transparency and equity. For those treasured pieces already in your possession, we are delighted to provide a comprehensive guide to jewellery hallmarking.
Image caption: Diamond rings
WHAT IS JEWELLERY HALLMARKING?
During the manufacturing of jewellery and silverware, precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum are scarcely used in their rarest form. Usually substantiated with lesser metals to improve strength and durability. To the naked eye, the content of these pieces cannot be determined; therefore, it is a legal obligation that jewellery containing these materials is hallmarked. Jewellery hallmarks are a symbol etched onto the item that verifies the piece has been tested and verified. Confirming the item purchased is as described.
Image caption: Bangle on model
Image caption: platinum diamond bangle
HOW TO CHECK JEWELLERY HALLMARKING
Similarly to a diamond certificate, a hallmark contains details such as maker name, where it was assessed and the purity of the metals. Jewellery pieces will contain a maker’s mark that symbolises the manufacturer or company that registered the piece for hallmarking purposes. Some hallmarked jewellery pieces may also contain a date letter to timestamp when the article was assessed. The symbols are as shown:
Image caption: Hallmarking
HOW DO I GET JEWELLERY HALLMARKED?
For many, the jewellery we hold dear comes to us as a heartfelt gift or a treasured heirloom, with its finer details a mystery. If these beloved pieces have yet to be hallmarked, there are always ways to bestow upon them the proper markings and uncover their true nature. At Laings, we operate as an Assay Assured Jewellery retailer, meaning our status has been earned through independent audits and has been verified by Assay Assured. All jewellery pieces bought through Laings have been hallmarked to these exacting standards. For pieces not originally from our showrooms, our team of professional diamond and jewellery experts can advise you on the best course of action to better understand your cherished items.
Image caption: diamond disc bracelet in yellow gold
HOW WILL MY JEWELLERY BE HALLMARKED?
When hallmarking newly created or aged pieces, the preservation of the metal is always at the forefront. Hallmarks will typically be stamped into the metal, this is the traditional style and will be seen on most jewellery, especially those assured before the late 1990s. Laser hallmarks are also an option and are used for delicate pieces where stamping may distort the metal. Both of these hallmarking methods are legitimate and will provide you with the assurance that your pieces are made from quality materials.
Explore Fine Jewellery with Laings.
Follow our latest news on our social channels below. If you have any questions, please contact us and our experts would be delighted to assist you.