[Jewelry making - Article 01073] - Re: [Orchid] Hallmark and where you live

[Richard Whitehouse]

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Hi Tom, 

    I am speaking from the UK. I expect you already know that we have
    the oldest hallmarking system in the world. Any item of silver over 7
    grams must be hallmarked by the Assay Office. This means that items
    must be sent or taken to the office where they are tested for
    quality. The appropriate hallmarks are then applied. Any item not
    hallmarked cannot be sold as silver or gold. 

    The Uk system is better that the US system in that hallmarks cannot
    be applied by the maker themselves, so there is very little chance of
    fraud. The standards for silver are 850, 925, 958, 990. The
    standards for gold are 375, 585, 750, 916, 990,999 which is nearly
    pure gold. I would be interested in other people's comments. You can
    find more info about the UK system at:
    http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/assayoffice/ 

Richard

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