TL;DR: a UK hallmark is a legal mark that shows the metal and its purity, applied by an assay office, and it stays on the ring wherever the ring goes. Whether a hallmark is formally recognised abroad depends on the country, but the information it carries is useful everywhere. We state the metal and purity in writing for every design. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx, and the customer pays import duty and tax. Pieces start from £600.
What a hallmark is
A hallmark is a set of small marks struck into precious metal by an independent assay office. It generally includes a mark for the metal, a number showing its fineness, an assay office mark and a sponsor's mark identifying who submitted the piece. Together they show that the metal has been tested. Our guide to inherited ring hallmarks and wear explains how to read marks on an older ring.
Does it matter abroad?
A hallmark does not stop being a hallmark because the ring has left the UK. It remains on the ring and continues to show the metal and purity as tested. Whether a particular country gives it formal legal recognition is a separate question, and the answer varies. We cannot give advice on every country, so check the position for yours if it matters to you, for example for insurance or resale.
Reading the fineness
Fineness is shown as parts per thousand, so 750 means 18 carat gold and 585 means 14 carat. Many countries use the same numbers, which makes them easy to compare. Platinum, silver and palladium have their own marks. When we quote a design we state the metal and purity in writing, so you can check them against the marks on the finished ring.
When a hallmark and a market differ
Gold purity is described in different ways around the world. Some countries talk in carats, such as 9, 14 and 18, others in karats or in parts per thousand, and some markets commonly use 10 karat and 14 karat where the UK commonly uses 9 carat and 18 carat. The metal is the same material at different purities, so the useful habit is to compare the fineness number rather than the label. Our guide to jewellery terms from A to Z explains the vocabulary.
Rings made from more than one metal
A ring that combines metals, for example a platinum setting on a gold band, can carry more than one mark. That is normal, and each part is marked for its own metal. If you want to know exactly what each part of your design is made from, ask us and we will set it out in writing alongside the quote.
Small rings and tiny marks
Marks are small, and on a delicate ring they may be tiny and hard to see without a loupe. Do not worry if you struggle to read them. Our guide to what a goldsmith checks before dispatch explains what we examine before a ring leaves us.
Why it helps your records
The hallmark, the invoice and any stone report together describe the ring. Keep them with your insurance details. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains what each document shows.
Customs and paperwork
International deliveries need customs information. The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country, and we explain what to expect before you order. Keep your invoice and design approval to hand.
Frequently asked questions
Is a UK hallmark valid abroad?
It stays on the ring and shows the metal and purity. Formal recognition varies by country.
How do I read the fineness?
750 means 18 carat gold, and 585 means 14 carat.
Where can I see the marks?
Usually inside the band, but they are small, so a loupe helps.
Will you state the metal in writing?
Yes, we state the metal and purity when we quote your design.