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Pay with Klarna – Flexible Payment Options, Just for You!

We’ve teamed up with Klarna to provide flexible payment options, allowing you to shop the way you want. With Klarna, you can split your payment into 3 instalments or choose to pay later, making your shopping experience smoother and more convenient. Your order total must be between £100 and £499 to qualify.

Why Choose Klarna?
  • Flexible Payments: Pay in easy instalments that suit your budget.
  • Interest-Free: No interest if you pay on time.
  • Secure Transactions: Klarna uses industry-leading security to protect your data.
  • Fast & Simple: Quick approval process with no extra hassle.
How It Works:
  • Select Klarna at Checkout: When you’re ready to complete your purchase, choose Klarna as your payment method.
  • Choose Your Payment Plan: Klarna offers multiple ways to pay, whether you prefer to pay in 30 days or split your payments into instalments.
  • Complete Your Purchase: Klarna will guide you through the rest—no extra forms or paperwork!
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Hallmarking Guide

  • When buying a piece of jewellery, it’s important to know that what you’re purchasing is genuine and of the highest quality.
  • That’s where hallmarking comes in. Hallmarking is a legal and quality assurance process that certifies the purity of precious metals.
  • In the UK, it is strictly regulated to protect both buyers and sellers, ensuring you can purchase with complete confidence.

This guide will take you through the key aspects of hallmarking, including what it is, how it’s done, and what to look for.

What Is Hallmarking?

Hallmarking is the official process of certifying the purity of precious metals. A hallmark is a small but vital mark that is applied to items made of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, and it confirms that the metal content has been independently tested and verified by a UK Assay Office to meet legal standards. Think of it as your guarantee that the item you’re buying is made from genuine precious metal and meets minimum purity standards. In the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement and acts as a reassurance of quality and authenticity.

Which Metals & Weights
Need Hallmarking?

In the UK, four precious metals are subject to hallmarking laws: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. However, hallmarking is only required when an item exceeds a specific weight threshold:

  • Platinum: 0.5 grams or more
  • Gold: 1 gram or more
  • Palladium: 1 gram or more
  • Silver: 7.78 grams or more

If an item falls below these minimum weights, a hallmark is not legally required. However, many reputable jewellers still choose to hallmark smaller pieces to provide added assurance.

How Is Jewellery Hallmarked?

Hallmarking is carried out by official UK Assay Offices, which are independent bodies authorised to test and verify precious metal content. Once an item has been tested and meets the required standards, it is hallmarked using one of two methods:

  • Stamping: A traditional method where metal punches are used to imprint the hallmark directly onto the item.
  • Laser Etching: A more modern technique preferred for delicate or intricate pieces, such as thin bands or detailed pendants, to avoid damaging or distorting the item.

The hallmark is applied discreetly — typically inside a ring band or on a necklace clasp — so it doesn’t affect the overall design.

What Does A
Hallmark Look Like?

A full UK hallmark consists of three compulsory symbols:

  • 1. Sponsor’s Mark: Identifies the manufacturer or sponsor of the item — essentially, who is responsible for submitting the item for hallmarking.
  • 2. Fineness Mark: Indicates the purity of the metal (e.g. “925” for sterling silver, “375” for 9ct gold).
  • 3. Assay Office Mark: Shows which Assay Office tested and marked the item. Each UK Assay Office has its own unique symbol.

Why Hallmarking Matters

  • At Diamonds Factory, we don’t just see hallmarking as a legal requirement — it’s also a mark of trust.
  • Whether you’re investing in a classic gold ring or a unique silver necklace, the hallmark guarantees that you’re getting exactly what you pay for.
  • It’s a seal of authenticity that supports the integrity of the jewellery industry and helps you make confident, informed purchases.

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