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
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better time to show the special woman in your life just how much she means to you? If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got you covered with an array of jewellery ideas that will make her heart skip a beat. From timeless classics to personalised treasures, here's our guide to finding the ultimate gift for her.
White Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
From £408
4 Prong Setting Round Diamond Stud Earring
From £138
Prong Setting Diamond Solitaire Pendant
From £263
4 Prong Setting Tennis Bracelet
From £2,020
4 Prong Setting Round Emerald Stud Earring
From £99
Toi Et Moi Arched Diamond Stud Earrings
From £1,434
A Diamond Initial Pendant Necklace
From £230
Round & Emerald Shape Tennis Bracelet
From £6,708
Prong Setting Pear Blue Sapphire Pendent
From £108
Timeless Designs
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong with a classic jewellery design, whether it’s a pair of simple diamond stud earrings or an elegant pendant necklace. Timeless styles like these have been cherished for generations, making them the perfect addition to any jewellery box.Make It Personal
Nothing says "I love you" quite like a personalised piece of jewellery. Enrave a ring with a meaningful date or heartfelt message, select a piece featuring her birthstone, or, better yet, create something completely bespoke. A personalised jewellery gift will become a one-of-a-kind keepsake that she’ll treasure for years to come.Gifts On A Budget
On a budget? Don’t worry — we offer a range of stunning jewellery gifts at every price point without compromising on quality or style. From beautiful earrings and bracelets to rings and so much more, find the perfect gift for under £150. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, a gift card can be a great idea as it allows you to choose the exact amount you want to spend.The Latest Trends
This year, the world of jewellery is embracing all things bold and bright. With that in mind, look out for jewellery pieces that are sure to stand out — think vivid gemstone bracelets, mixed-metal necklaces, and oversized earrings.The Ultimate Gesture
For many, a Valentine’s Day proposal is the ultimate dream — and what better way to make that dream come true than with a sparkling engagement ring? From classic solitaire diamonds to brilliant side stones and contemporary cuts, we have an extensive selection of engagement rings to suit every style. No matter which one you choose, it will be a Valentine’s Day she’ll never forget.For even more charming gift ideas, explore our specially curated Valentine’s Day Gift Guide and discover our top jewellery picks for the special day.