2009

Palladium becomes a hallmarkable metal (compulsory after 1st January 2010).      

1998

Introduction of amendments to the 1973 Hallmarking Act. Including introduction of new standards of gold, silver and platinum (to harmonise with Europe) also the abolition of import marks. Date letter and standard mark become optional.      

1975 – April

On April 1st the British Government ratified the International Convention on Hallmarking.    

1975

The introduction of the 1973 Hallmarking Act all Assay Offices date letters now standardised and all change on January 1st. Platinum became a hallmarkable metal.    

1973

Birmingham and Sheffield Assay Offices commemorated their bi-centenary with special marks, Birmingham had a letter ‘c’ either side of the anchor and Sheffield used their 1773 date letter ‘E’ again.  

1934

The first commemorative voluntary mark commemorating George V and Queen Mary’s silver jubilee.  

1932

15 and 12 carat gold discontinued and 14 carat introduced.  

1890

Duty was removed on gold and silver- the duty mark no longer stamped.    

1855

The Gold Wedding Ring Act now required all wedding rings to be hallmarked.      

1854

Introduction of 15, 12 and 9 carat gold.