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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.
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.
September 02, 2020 | by Admin
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)
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.
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.
Sapphires have long been linked to the rich, royal and famous. How can we forget Kate Middleton’s sapphire and diamond halo engagement ring that was given to her by Prince William? This beautiful blue precious gemstone is often paired with diamonds for engagement rings.
Gemstone engagement rings have become increasingly popular in recent years with those looking for something a little different. Read on to discover our top 5 beautiful diamond and sapphire engagement rings.
The meaning behind sapphire engagement rings
Sapphire engagement rings represent honesty, trust and loyalty, which are three of the most important points in a committed relationship. Their deep meaning and symbolism are just a few reasons why sapphires are the most loved gemstone after diamonds and are perfect for engagement rings.
1. Sapphire & diamond halo engagement ring
Notably the most popular sapphire and diamond engagement ring style, a halo design consists of sapphire at the centre surrounded by a ‘halo’ of diamonds. Sapphire and diamond halo engagement rings have long been favoured by royalty for their elegant finish. There are plenty of halo styles to choose from, such as split shank engagement rings or halo rings with side stones.
2. Sapphire & diamond three stone engagement ring
Sapphire and diamond three stone engagement rings are perfect for a proposal. The three stones are thought to symbolise the past, present and future within a romantic relationship. There's a range of sapphire and diamond three stone engagement rings to choose from, such as sleek, modern styles, or vintage styles that feature three halos combined in one ring.
3. Sapphire & diamond vintage engagement ring
Sapphire and diamond vintage engagement rings are also a popular choice for those who love antiques or vintage style jewellery. Typically vintage style rings are elaborate and feature a combination of sapphires and diamonds, milgrain detailing and unique settings. So if you are searching for an engagement ring that is as unique as your love a sapphire and diamond vintage engagement ring could be perfect for your proposal.
4. Sapphire & diamond cluster engagement ring
Cluster rings are a more affordable way to invest in some sparkle. This is because lots of smaller diamonds and gemstones are cheaper than a single stone of comparable carat weight. Sapphire and diamond cluster engagement rings are a great choice if you want a beautiful engagement ring for less. Plus, with so many styles to choose from you will be spoilt for choice.
5. Sapphire & diamond side stone engagement ring
Side stone engagement rings have become increasingly popular in recent years. Sapphire and diamond side stone rings typically feature a single sapphire at the centre and a band adorned with diamonds. The remarkable contrast between the two stones in this way creates a beautiful, modern finish. For a super glamorous engagement ring, a halo design with side stones may be the one for you.
If you are feeling inspired, discover our entire collection of engagement rings, alternatively head to our other article - 6 types of precious stones for engagement rings.