Register your Sponsor's Mark
This guide walks you through each section of the sponsor's mark registration form. Tap the black "i" buttons next to any field for a plain-English explanation of what to enter and why. Required fields are marked *
Section A
Your details
Tell us who you are so we can register your mark correctly
Your full legal name
Enter your full legal name — the name that appears on official documents like your passport or Companies House registration. This is the name that will appear on the official sponsor mark register.
Individual example: Sarah Jane Thompson
Business example: Thompson Jewellery Limited
Business example: Thompson Jewellery Limited
⚠ Do not use nicknames or shortened versions — use the exact legal name.
Trading name — what is it?
Only complete this if you trade under a different name to your legal name. Leave it blank if they are the same.
Example: Legal name: "John Andrew Smith" → Trading name: "JAS Jewellery"
Use your registered business address if you are a company. This is the address we will send all correspondence to, including your registration confirmation.
VAT number — is it required?
Only enter this if you are VAT registered. Leave blank if you are not. Being VAT registered has no bearing on your eligibility to register a sponsor mark — it is used for invoicing purposes only.
Section B
Type of applicant
Tell us your relationship to the items you will submit
Who is the sponsor?
The sponsor is the person or business legally responsible for the articles being hallmarked. This is usually whoever made or commissioned the items — not necessarily who will sell them.
Maker: You make the jewellery yourself
Retailer: You buy items and submit them under your own mark
Importer: You bring items into the UK from overseas
Individual: You're commissioning a single piece or selling personal items
Retailer: You buy items and submit them under your own mark
Importer: You bring items into the UK from overseas
Individual: You're commissioning a single piece or selling personal items
⚠ Not sure? Call us on 0121 820 0773 before submitting — choosing the wrong type doesn't invalidate your application but helps us set your account up correctly.
Section C
Your sponsor mark design
Choose the letters that will identify you on every hallmarked article
What letters should I choose?
Your sponsor mark is typically your initials — the letters that identify you uniquely. They must be unique on our register; no two marks are identical.
Individual: John Andrew Smith → "JAS"
Business: Thompson Jewellery Ltd → "TJL"
2-letter marks: "JS" or "MT" are also accepted
Business: Thompson Jewellery Ltd → "TJL"
2-letter marks: "JS" or "MT" are also accepted
💡 We will check availability and confirm your exact mark with you before it is finalised. If your first choice is taken, we will suggest alternatives — you don't need to worry about this now.
Selection Instructions: The order you select your designs will determine your priority ranking. Please click your 1st Choice first, followed by your 2nd Choice, and finally your 3rd Choice. Numbers will appear on the cards to show your selection order.
Selected: 0 of 3 designs
Which metals?
Tick all that apply. This doesn't restrict what you can submit later — it simply helps us set up your account correctly. You can always add metals by contacting us.
If in doubt: Select "All precious metals" to cover everything from the start.
Section D
How should we apply your mark?
Punch or laser?
Punch Marking: A steel tool used to strike or press into the metal. Traditional method, widely used by jewellers and small workshops. You order the punch after we confirm your sponsor mark design.
Laser Marking: Our equipment applies the hallmark using laser technology. We provide the artwork file — no physical punch needed.
Laser Marking: Our equipment applies the hallmark using laser technology. We provide the artwork file — no physical punch needed.
💡 You can select both — some makers use a punch for most items but a laser for delicate or very small pieces.
Punch Marking
A traditional method of applying your sponsor's mark using a hardened steel punch.
- Creates a classic stamped hallmark.
- Suitable for both finished and unfinished jewellery.
- Produces a permanent, durable mark.
- Ideal if you prefer a traditional stamped finish.
- Not suitable for hollow articles.
- Not suitable for fully stone-set articles.
⚠ Important
If you submit both rings and other jewellery, you will need:
- Bar Punch – for rings.
- Straight Punch – for all other jewellery.
Laser Marking
No punch needed
Laser Outline
Your sponsor's mark is applied as a fine outline.
- Creates a neat, discreet mark.
- Suitable for most jewellery.
- Ideal if you prefer a lighter mark.
Example
Laser Deep Relief
Your sponsor's mark is applied more deeply to create a bolder finish.
- Your sponsor's initials are raised, creating a bold and distinctive finish.
- Provides a more defined and prominent mark.
- The hallmarking is deeply applied, making it more durable and long lasting.
Example
Third-party submissions
If your manufacturer or another business will physically apply your sponsor mark on your behalf, tick the box and provide their details.
⚠ Important: even if someone else applies your mark, you remain legally responsible for every article bearing it.
Section E
Declaration
Please read and confirm the following before submitting
About the declaration
This is a legal requirement under the Hallmarking Act 1973. By declaring, you are confirming that you understand your responsibilities as a registered sponsor's — principally that you are legally responsible for all articles submitted bearing your mark, regardless of who physically applies it.
Online signature
For the online form, typing your full name here acts as your digital declaration in place of a handwritten signature. Type exactly the name you entered in Section A.
Registration submitted
Thank you for registering your sponsor mark with Birmingham Assay Office. We will review your application and confirm your approved mark within 5–7 working days for Laser and up to 10-14 days for Punch. Check your email for a confirmation.
What happens next
Questions? Call 0121 820 0773 or email customerservice@theassayoffice.co.uk