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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.
April 14, 2025 | by James
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.
As we step into May, the month of fresh blooms and new beginnings, we shine a spotlight on emerald, May's beloved birthstone. With its distinct appearance and vibrant green hue, the emerald has long symbolised renewal and growth — qualities that align perfectly with the spirit of spring.
In this month’s birthstone spotlight, we take a closer look at emeralds, their origins, and what makes them so sought after.
Prong Setting Pear Emerald Pendent
From £98
4 Prong Setting Round Emerald Stud Earring
From £99
Diamond Side Stone Emerald Shaped Emerald Engagement Ring
From £431
4 Prong Setting Oval Emerald Tennis Bracelet
From £5,902
4 Prong Setting Emerald Pendant
From £131
Halo Diamond Pear Emerald Engagement Ring
From £890
4 Prong Setting Round Emerald Stud Earring
From £254
Round Emerald Floral Delicate Chain Bracelet
From £464
The History Of Emeralds
What Makes The Emerald So Unique?
Emeralds In Jewellery
As the birthstone for May, emerald makes a meaningful jewellery gift to celebrate someone’s birthday — whether it's an emerald-adorned pendant or a bracelet set with vivid green stones. For a truly personal touch, you could even consider engraving a special message or designing a bespoke emerald design. An emerald gift is sure to be treasured for years to come, carrying with it beauty and personal significance.
Caring For Your Emerald Jewellery
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Emeralds can be sensitive to chemicals, so avoid exposing them to harsh cleaning products.
• Regular cleaning: Gently clean your emerald jewellery with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. You can also use warm water and mild soap if necessary but avoid harsh scrubbing.
• Proper storage: Store your emerald pieces separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching. Keep them in a soft pouch or jewellery box.
Conclusion
To celebrate the season, we’re offering you the chance to win an enchanting emerald set, featuring a pair of earrings with a matching pendant and bracelet, in our birthstone giveaway! Head over to our Instagram to enter and be in with a chance to win.