It is law within the UK that every item of precious metal sold such as Platinum, Gold, Silver is stamped labelling the item with the type of metal it is. Platinum pieces which weigh less than 0.5 grams, 18ct Gold and Palladium pieces weighing less than 1.0 gram and Silver pieces weighing less than 7.78 grams are except from hallmark.
At Diamonds Factory all our products are hallmarked as per UK hallmarking law from London Assay Office (The GoldSmith Company)
Where Hallmarking Began
The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office is the oldest assay office in the United Kingdom. It has provided hallmarking services since The Goldsmiths' Company was founded in the 1300s. The company received its royal charter in 1327 and ranks 5th in order of precedence of the 12 Great Livery Companies of the City of London.
Hallmarking dates back to the 1300s when Edward I of England passed a law requiring any item made of silver, which was offered for sale, to be at least of equal quality as that of the coin of the realm (silver currency). The wardens of The Goldsmiths' Company were tasked with visiting workshops in the City of London to assay (test) silver articles. If these articles were found to be below standard they were originally destroyed and the metal forfeited to the King. If they passed, each article received the King's mark of authentication - the mark of a leopard's head. By 1478, there were several hundred workshops and merchants manufacturing silver articles in the City of London. It was not possible for the wardens to visit them all so the merchants were ordered to bring their items to Goldsmiths' Hall for testing and marking and a permanent Assay Office was established in the building. This is the origin of the term hallmark - struck with the King's mark at Goldsmiths' Hall.
In 1544 the Goldsmith's Company adopted the King's mark as their town mark and the mark of the leopard's head is now internationally recognised as the mark of this assay office.
Today
The Goldsmiths's Company Assay Office is still based at Goldsmiths's Hall and remains the oldest company in Britain to be continually trading from the same site. However, it also has two satellite offices; at Greville Street in Hatton Garden in the heart of the London jewellery quarter and within a high security complex near London's Heathrow airport. It now has a new off-site facility within the Dalston-based jewellery manufacturer, Allied Gold. This is the first time in the Assay Office's 700 year history that it has opened permanent hallmarking services on a customer's premises.
In addition to hallmarking, the office has now expanded its range of services to support the jewellery trade and enforcement authorities. It offers a variety of specialist analytical services including nickel, lead & cadmium testing, antique silver dating, non-destructive compositional analysis, plating thickness measurement and a melt and assay service for scrap precious metal carried out in their fully independent on-site laboratory. Other services offered are a jewellery valuation service, laser marking, trading standards assistance, high quality photography and a comprehensive range of training and educational seminars, lectures and specialist events.
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If your birthday falls in August, you’re in the right place — we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the stunning green gemstone, peridot. Known for its vivid olive hues, peridot is one of the few gemstones that appears in just one colour, allowing it to stand out effortlessly among its more multicoloured counterparts.
4 Prong Setting Oval Peridot Three Stone Ring
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Prong Setting Halo Peridot Pendant
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4 Prong Setting Oval Peridot Pendent
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4 Prong Setting Oval Peridot Pendent
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Prong Setting Round Peridot Stud Earring
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Prong Setting Halo Peridot Earring
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4 Prong Setting Oval Peridot Tennis Bracelet
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4 Prong Setting Pear Peridot Tennis Bracelet
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Bezel Setting Peridot Halo Engagement Ring
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Bezel Setting Peridot Halo Engagement Ring
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Bezel Setting Peridot Halo Engagement Ring
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Bezel Setting Peridot Halo Engagement Ring
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History Of Peridot
Although it may not be as well-known as ruby or emerald, peridot has a rich and fascinating history. The earliest known peridots were mined over 3,500 years ago by ancient Egyptians on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. According to legend, peridots were easier to mine at night due to their luminous green glow, which earned them the nickname “gem of the sun.”
Over the centuries, peridot has often been mistaken for emerald. In fact, historians believe that many of Cleopatra’s famous “emerald” jewels may have actually been peridots, which would tie in beautifully with the gem’s ancient Egyptian origins.
Where is peridot found?
Peridot is a unique gemstone formed in extreme conditions. It can be found in volcanic lava flows, deep within the Earth's mantle, and even in meteorites. Today, peridot is sourced from countries all around the world, including Vietnam, China, the USA, Tanzania, and more.
One of the most unique places associated with peridot is Mahana Beach in Hawaii. This rare green sand beach is rich in the mineral olivine — another name for peridot. Locals often call it the “Hawaiian Diamond” and sell small, teardrop-shaped peridots said to represent the hardened tears of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
The Meaning Behind Peridot
Peridot carries a range of powerful meanings. Often associated with prosperity and good fortune — thanks to its resemblance to the colour of money — it’s considered a lucky stone for August-born individuals. Historically, physicians believed peridot had healing properties, promoting restful sleep, emotional balance, and mental clarity. Spiritually, it connects with the heart chakra, said to bring love, peace, and positive energy to its wearer.
Birthstones by Month
January
Garnet
February
Amethyst
March
Aquamarine
April
Diamond
May
Blue Sapphire