If you regularly buy gold jewelry in the UK or are in the jewelry business then you might want to know a little about the hallmarks which are used to show the quality of this precious metal. You would be surprised and how many different marks exist to ensure that consumers get what they pay for when buying gold jewelry.
The Sponsors Or Makers Mark
The sponsors mark is the mark of the individual who submits the article for hallmarking. The sponsor’s mark is compulsory, one of three which must be struck on all hallmarked goods.
The Standard Mark
The crown depicts the standard mark. Gold found to be up to standard were marked with the number indicating fineness and another mark. For example the crown used by the London assay office for 18 and 22 carat gold until 1975 and all acceptable carat quality between 1975 and 1988. This standard mark is now voluntary. It should be said that all UK assay offices used the crown for gold items between 1975 and 1998.
The Fineness Mark
This can show for example that a ring is 18 carat gold or is 750 parts gold per 1000. The fineness mark must be struck on all hallmarked goods and is therefore a compulsory mark.
The Date Mark
A very helpful mark in determining the age of an item but has been a voluntary mark since 1999.
The Common Control Mark
This mark is used by countries which are signatories to the International Convention on hallmarks. Articles marked in any of these member countries do not require further checks in the UK. The complete convention mark shows the three compulsory marks – the sponsor’s mark, Assay office mark, fineness mark and the set of scales showing fineness mark again.
The assay office mark
A compulsory mark. Alls articles must show where they have been assayed. The leopard’s head for example is used on all precious metal items struck at the London assay office.
If you are wanting to buy cheap gold jewelry, whether for yourself or for a business it can be useful to familiarize yourself with the different qualities available and marks that are used to denote this so that you don’t get ripped off by an unscrupulous delaer.
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