Hallmarking
What do I need to know?
The legislation
Hallmarking in the UK has a rich history dating back to the 1300s, serving as the oldest form of consumer protection. Precious metals like platinum, gold, palladium, and silver are rarely used in their purest form. They are typically alloyed with other metals to achieve the desired strength, durability, and colour. Detecting the platinum, gold, palladium, or silver content by sight or touch is nearly impossible.
As a result, it’s a legal requirement to hallmark items made of these metals if they are to be labelled as such. However, there are specific weight thresholds for hallmarking, including 0.5 grams for Platinum, 1 gram for Gold, 1 gram for Palladium, and 7.78 grams for Silver. It’s important to note that manufacturers or importers cannot apply hallmarks themselves. Goods must be submitted to one of the four UK Assay Offices, or an Assay Office affiliated with the International Convention.
Compulsory and Additional Hallmarking
Compulsory Marks
Additional Marks
In addition to these essential marks, we offer optional marks upon request, such as Traditional Fineness Symbols, the Date Letter (now voluntary), Common Control Mark, and Convention Marks (CCM).
We’re proud to be part of the UK signatory to the International Convention on Hallmarks, allowing our Convention Hallmark to be recognised worldwide, simplifying the process for international recognition.
The Convention marks come in two types, making it easy to identify the metal and fineness. Your precious items are in good hands at Birmingham Assay Office.
How to register for hallmarking
Registering for hallmarking is a straightforward process. The standard fee to register a Sponsor Mark for hallmarking, as set by the British Hallmarking Council, is £80 + VAT, and this registration is valid for ten years. Re-registration is available at £40 + VAT. Please note that your registration is specifically with Birmingham Assay Office, and each UK Assay Office operates independently.
Following registration, you’ll need to choose between creating a punch or a laser file for your uniquely registered sponsor mark. The fee for a punch or laser file with up to three initials is £110 + VAT. The setup for laser artwork for your sponsor mark costs £110 + VAT. If you already possess a Birmingham Assay Office physical punch, the laser setup cost is reduced to £55 + VAT. Please feel free to contact us if you’re interested in setting up for laser marking.
Additionally, a Laser Sponsor Mark is available for items too delicate or complex for traditional punch marking, with the same associated costs for setup.
HOW TO SUBMIT A ITEM
If you are a new customer, please first download and complete the new customer form to provide us with all your details:
You can then download a submission form. Please complete this form, print it and send it along with your items.
Items can be sent via mail or courier or dropped off at our customer services counter.
Please ensure that you have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions.
The Birmingham Assay Office team provide excellent customer service and are a joy to partner.
They are efficient, helpful, and always friendly. Their customer-first approach has in turn enabled us to reliably help our customers sell. A great organisation you can rely on!
The hallmarking process
Before we can apply a hallmark to your item, we carry out an assessment to ensure your piece meets the legal standards for precious metal composition. We use X-ray fluorescence technology, a non-invasive method of accurately defining the precious metal content.
Unless you provide specific instructions, we’ll choose the best method to apply the hallmark based on the item’s shape, construction, the quantity to be marked, and the hallmark size. We have a range of techniques available, from hand-operated or hydraulic presses for larger or more complex items to cutting-edge laser marking, which is ideal for intricate, delicate pieces.
At Birmingham Assay Office, we’ve made significant investments in the latest laser technology to ensure precision and accuracy. You can choose from two styles of Laser Mark: an outline or incuse mark, or a relief mark that closely resembles a traditional struck mark.
FAQ
A registration at Birmingham Assay Office lasts 10 years.
1 Hour – Up to 5 items £50
Same Day – Items received by 9:30am will be ready for collection by 3:30pm (100% surcharge)
Next Day – Items received by 9:30am will be ready for collection by 9:30am the following day. (50% surcharge)
Express services subject to availability.
The minimum parcel charge applies per each metal / standard / marking method.
Additional charges at Birmingham Assay Office include, VAT, Handling, Bagging and Laser.
Yes processing the reject report requires additional administration therefore the charges still apply.
Yes! You may face a fine of £5000 if you do not display a Dealers Notice.