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.
Know More
As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to give you a sneak peek of our 2024 Christmas shoot. With the spirit of celebration and gifting in the air, this campaign captures the magic of giving and receiving something truly special at Christmas while embodying the luxurious allure of Diamonds Factory. Join us as we take you behind the scenes to see how our festive campaign came to life.
The Vision
The vision for our Christmas campaign began with an intense creative process, months in the making, involving meticulous planning and organisation to bring every detail to life. Inspired by the opulent ambience of high-end hotels and intimate cocktail bars, our team looked beyond the jewellery industry to create a setting that exuded a sense of extravagance and warmth. The goal was to craft imagery that not only highlights the elegance of each piece of jewellery but also immerses our customers in a world of sophisticated celebration, embodying the joy and exclusivity of Christmas gifting with Diamonds Factory. Turning this vision into reality required a group of talented individuals, and our photographer Lauren, videographer Hurcan, model Clementine and make-up artist Tilly all worked together seamlessly to capture every perfect moment.Setting The Scene
For this year’s shoot, we transformed a cosy South London studio into an inviting holiday backdrop for our sparkling jewellery. We envisioned a scene that spoke to the glamour of the season and reflected Diamonds Factory’s aesthetic with luxurious touches at every turn — think rich velvets, soft, ambient lighting, and a palette of deep greens and creamy neutrals that radiate Christmas charm.The Jewellery Collection
When selecting jewellery for a Diamonds Factory photo shoot, we always focus on what our customers are loving, looking at best-sellers as well as any new ranges that may be set to launch around the time. With this in mind, our team curated a selection of popular pieces that complement the festive atmosphere and make for the ultimate Christmas gifts. Featured in the shoot are timeless classics like our solitaire engagement ring, diamond tennis bracelet and sparkling stud earrings.That’s A Wrap
As we wrap up our behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Christmas campaign, we hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into the creative magic that brings a Diamonds Factory shoot to life. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media and subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive seasonal promotions, last order dates, and the grand reveal of the final shots. Discover our full range online or visit us in-store to find the perfect gift and make this Christmas one to remember.