Hallmarking & Precious Metals

When you buy precious-metal jewellery, the material and purity of the piece matter. At ZAR Jewellery, we aim to provide clear information about the metals used in our jewellery and help customers understand UK hallmarking, fineness marks and precious-metal standards.

Whether you are choosing sterling silver jewellery, gold jewellery or a piece inspired by Persian design, understanding hallmarking can help you make a more informed purchase.

What Is a Jewellery Hallmark?

A hallmark is an official mark applied to a precious-metal article after it has been independently tested and verified by an authorised Assay Office.

In the UK, hallmarking is governed by the Hallmarking Act 1973. The system helps verify the precious-metal content of jewellery and protects the integrity of descriptions such as silver, gold, platinum and palladium.

You can read the official Hallmarking Act 1973 on GOV.UK.

A complete traditional UK hallmark contains three compulsory marks:

1. Sponsor’s or maker’s mark – identifies the person or business responsible for submitting the article for hallmarking.

2. Fineness mark – indicates the precious-metal purity.

3. Assay Office mark – identifies the Assay Office that tested and hallmarked the item.

The official UK hallmarking guidance provides further information about these marks and how they work.

When Does Jewellery Need to Be Hallmarked in the UK?

UK hallmarking law applies to articles described as being made wholly or partly from precious metal.

However, certain items below specified weight thresholds are exempt from compulsory hallmarking.

For example, a silver jewellery item containing more than 7.78 grams of metal will generally require a legally recognised hallmark before it is supplied in the UK.

The official GOV.UK hallmarking guidance for businesses provides the current requirements for businesses supplying precious-metal articles.

Understanding Precious-Metal Fineness

The fineness mark tells you the proportion of precious metal in an alloy, expressed in parts per thousand.

For example:

• 925 silver = 925 parts per thousand pure silver

• 375 gold = 375 parts per thousand pure gold

• 585 gold = 585 parts per thousand pure gold

• 750 gold = 750 parts per thousand pure gold

Sterling silver is commonly identified by a 925 fineness standard.

A hallmark therefore provides more information than simply saying that a piece is made from silver or gold — it provides an independently verified indication of the metal’s fineness.

Hallmarking at ZAR Jewellery

At ZAR Jewellery, we describe our jewellery according to the materials and specifications applicable to each individual piece.

Where a ZAR Jewellery item is subject to compulsory UK hallmarking, the appropriate hallmarking requirements are followed before the item is supplied.

For the most accurate information, always check the individual product description, particularly for the metal type, finish, gemstone and other material details.

You can also explore our Jewellery Care Guide for information on looking after sterling silver, gold-plated jewellery and gemstone pieces.

Gold-Plated Jewellery and Vermeil

Not all jewellery described using the word “gold” is made entirely from solid gold.

Gold-plated jewellery consists of another metal with a layer of gold applied to its surface. The underlying metal and finish should therefore be described accurately.

Similarly, gold vermeil is a specific type of gold-plated silver, where gold is applied over sterling silver subject to the applicable requirements.

ZAR Jewellery clearly identifies the material and finish of each product so customers can understand what they are purchasing.

For additional official guidance on descriptions involving gold-plated silver articles, see the GOV.UK guidance on permitted descriptions for gold-plated silver.

Why Hallmarking Matters

Hallmarking provides an important independent verification of precious-metal content.

For customers, it can provide confidence that a qualifying item described as silver, gold, platinum or palladium has been independently tested against the relevant fineness standard.

This is particularly important when purchasing jewellery online, where customers cannot physically examine a piece before placing an order.

The British Hallmarking Council confirms that hallmarking requirements apply to online sales as well as traditional retail sales.

Hallmarking Information for Online Customers

UK online jewellery retailers must prominently provide explanatory information about hallmarking.

The British Hallmarking Council guidance states that online retail sites should display appropriate hallmark information, including the official Dealer’s Notice. Dealer’s Notice B is specifically intended for online retail environments.

Official Hallmarking Information

For more information about UK hallmarking, visit:

• GOV.UK – Hallmarking: how businesses can comply with the law

• GOV.UK – Hallmarking: practical guidance

• GOV.UK – Hallmarking Act 1973

• GOV.UK – Selling articles of precious metal on the internet

These official resources explain the UK requirements, hallmark symbols, exemptions and rules applying to online jewellery sales.

Hallmarking and ZAR Jewellery

ZAR Jewellery combines contemporary design with influences from Persian heritage and nature, creating pieces intended to be meaningful as well as wearable.

Our jewellery collection includes designs inspired by Persian motifs and natural forms, including our Persian Motif collection and Pomegranate Ring.

Understanding the materials behind these designs is an important part of buying jewellery with confidence. Hallmarking, accurate product descriptions and clear information about materials all help customers understand the pieces they are choosing.

If you have a question about the metal, finish, hallmark or specification of a particular ZAR Jewellery piece, please contact ZAR Jewellery and include the product name or link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does all silver jewellery have to be hallmarked?

No. Certain precious-metal articles below the applicable weight exemption do not require compulsory hallmarking. For silver, the current exemption threshold is 7.78 grams.

What does 925 mean on silver jewellery?

925 means that the alloy contains 925 parts per thousand silver, which is the recognised sterling-silver fineness standard.

What are the three parts of a UK hallmark?

A traditional full UK hallmark consists of the sponsor’s or maker’s mark, the fineness mark and the Assay Office mark.

Does hallmarking apply to jewellery sold online?

Yes. UK hallmarking requirements apply to qualifying precious-metal jewellery sold online, subject to the applicable exemptions.

Is gold-plated jewellery the same as solid gold?

No. Gold-plated jewellery has a layer of gold applied over another metal. The product description should clearly identify the underlying material and finish.

Where can I find information about the hallmark on a ZAR piece?

Please check the individual product description or contact us with the product name. We can provide information relevant to the particular piece.