The stamp of approval ⚓

You will often see the words "with hallmarks for Birmingham" on a piece in one of our jewellery auctions. But what does that mean and why is it so important?

We have spoken to our neighbours (and friends) at the Birmingham Assay office to find out.

History from The Assay Office

Originally established to protect the consumer against fraud and to provide a level playing field for those businesses manufacturing in precious metal, this aim has remained unchanged. By assaying (testing) and marking precious metals, hallmarking is one of the oldest forms of consumer protection.

Hallmarking dates back to 1300 when a statute by Edward I instituted the assaying and marking of precious metals. In 1773, The Birmingham Assay Office was founded by an Act of Parliament. The famous Birmingham industrialist, Matthew Boulton realised that trade would not prosper without an Assay Office based in Birmingham. As Birmingham was the home to a flourishing silversmithing trade, it was vital for the City to support its growth and the addition of an Assay Office was required. Boulton, therefore, lobbied Parliament until he was successful in getting an Act of Parliament approved, which founded the Birmingham Assay Office on 31^st August 1773.  Today it is one of four Assay Offices, with the others located in London, Sheffield and Edinburgh.

During long stays in London whilst the Act of Parliament was being debated, Boulton stayed at the Crown & Anchor Tavern in the Strand, a popular haunt for politicians, where much of the business was transacted. Quite how the decision was made is unclear, but it was probably the toss of a coin which determined that Birmingham, in the heart of the country and many miles from the sea, should adopt the Anchor as its hallmarking symbol, whilst Sheffield took the Crown (subsequently changed to the Rose). Brummies are eternally grateful that Boulton did not stay at the Slug & Lettuce - or worse!

How hallmarking affects our jewellery auctions

We often get asked, "why do you say stamped 750? Can't you call it gold?". As mentioned, hallmarking is a form of consumer protection. It's an assurance from the Assay Office that, if it bears their mark, the metal fineness given is true. It is even protected by law. Any items made from precious metal must be hallmarked in order to be sold as such. It is an offence under the 1973 Hallmarking Act to supply (e.g. sell at auction) un-hallmarked articles to which such a description is applied. There are some exemptions such as low weight items and pieces made before 1950. This is why we can sell antique un-hallmarked pieces as "gold". However, more modern pieces that are just stamped with the metal fineness e.g. 750 cannot be sold as 18ct gold.

But what is a hallmark? It must contain three things:

Other marks

The three marks above are required by law. However, there are other marks that are used to give more information about the piece.

Date Letter

The date letter runs through the alphabet and changes annually on January 1st. Once Z is reached the font, case, and shield shape change. This is especially useful for dating pieces.

Traditional Fineness Symbol

There are five symbols that indicate the type of precious metal.

These marks are often stamped into the inside of a band (if on a ring) or the underside of an object (if a piece of silverware) which protects the mark.

These allow consumers to buy British goods, safe in the knowledge that they know they're buying quality.

The Birmingham Assay Office has evolved into more than just an assaying and hallmarking centre. Its Other services include an independent jewellery and watch valuation service; analytical testing; diamond and gemstone identification and certification; and a training Academy offering a wide portfolio of training courses centred around precious metals, diamonds, gemstones and product compliance.