Hallmarking
Aspire complies with the Hallmarking Act 1973, this states that any jewellery (Gold, Silver or Platinum) sold in the
What is a hallmark?
In the
- the maker’s mark to show you where it was made
- the indication of metal and fineness
- An Assay Office mark to show it has been tested.
For example:
Why is hallmarking necessary?
Hallmarking is imperative in the jewellery industry to protect the public and traders from any fraudulent activity and to ensure all trading is carried out on a fair basis. The whole concept of hallmarking represents one of the earliest forms of consumer protection.
Also gold and silver have to be alloyed with other metals, simply because they are too soft in their natural form to be used solely in jewellery making. The precious metal has to comprise as a mixture alloy, so the metal then has the necessary properties to be desirable, durable and practical. It should be considered that it is impossible to identify any of the cheaper base metals that have been used in the hardening process. Even through an expert’s eyes, it is virtually impossible to detect whether there is an alloy present.
It is undisputed that gold is one of the world’s most precious natural elements. Due to this however, those of a deceptive disposition can be tempted to use substandard metals in the production of gold used in jewellery. It is extremely difficult to detect when this occurs and it is ultimately the honest consumer who suffers. On a more positive note though, hallmarking exists to counteract this sort of production. All precious metal that is hallmarked protects the customer from being cheated when purchasing their jewellery. All jewellery – be it Gold Silver, or Platinum – that is imported to the
Additional Information
Please note that any overseas hallmarking is not valid in the
http://www.britishhallmarkingcouncil.gov.uk/hlaw.htm
