Hallmarking Information
Precious metals are rarely used in their pure, natural form. Instead, they are alloyed with other metals before they can be used for jewellery making. It is impossible to determine precious metal content by sight or touch. Therefore, in many countries an Assay Office has to hallmark items made of precious metals before they can be legally described as such and sold. The tradition of hallmarking in the UK can be traced all the way back to 14th century!
It is legal requirement for silver items weighing over 7.78g, gold and palladium items over 1g, and platinum items over 0.5g to have a UK recognised hallmark. Therefore, to keep the cost down for customers, Hare and Fern Jewellery and most jewellers don't always hallmark pieces that are below legal threshold. When a piece is over 7.78g, it will be hallmarked without exception to comply with the law. Every piece I sell will be clearly advertised as hallmarked if applicable.
Hallmarks are marks applied to precious metal items to guarantee the amount of pure metal in the alloy, but they are also telling you who is the artist behind the piece. Every hallmark starts with a Maker's Mark, also known as a Sponsor's Mark, which consists of a registered combination of letters. Hare and Fern Jewellery is registered with London's Assay Office and my Maker's Mark is RMcC, standing for Ramona McCloskey.
Please note: contrary to popular opinion, a piece of sterling silver jewellery being stamped 925 does not mean it is hallmarked and can not be described as such in the UK if it weighs over 7.78g. Anyone can apply a 925 punch! Only a full legal hallmark recognised by an Assay Office guarantees the quality of the items you are buying.
You can read more about legal and historical aspects of hallmarking on London Assay Office's website.