The British Hallmarking Council

The British Hallmarking Council is a statutory body created by The Hallmarking Act 1973. Its functions are:
• Ensuring adequate provision for assaying and hallmarking is available
• Supervising the activities of the Assay Offices in undertaking assaying and hallmarking
• Ensuring the enforcement of the hallmarking legislation
• Advising the Secretary of State with respect to all matters concerning the execution of the Act

The council is comprised of representatives from:
• Retail jewellers
• Manufacturing jewellers
• Trading Standards
• The Department of Trade and Industry
• Consumers
• Assay Offices
• Lay people from outside the jewellery industry, but with relevant expertise

Dealers Notices

One of the requirements of the Hallmarking Act 1973 is that all dealers supplying precious metal jewellery shall display a notice explaining the approved hallmarks.  This must be the notice produced by the British Hallmarking Council, as shown below.

Dealers Notices are available from the Birmingham Assay Office at a cost of £10.00 each including VAT.