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
Did you know that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in honour of Saint Valentine? He was a priest that during the third century in Rome helped soldiers marry their loved ones in secret after Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers. When Claudius II discovered what Saint Valentine was doing, he ordered to put him to death. So, every February 14th we are celebrating those courageous that fight for love!
ince Valentine’s Day is coming soon we made a list of the perfect gifts for that special woman in your life. From beautiful earrings and breath-taking necklaces to stunning diamond engagement rings we got you covered!
Diamond Engagement Ring
This is the ultimate Valentine’s gift and what almost every woman wishes to happen on this day. This showstopper engagement ring has a centre heart cut diamond surrounded by a beautiful halo of diamonds that sits in a 3-Prong setting. For that extra wow factor, this ring has a beautiful row of side stones that will leave her speechless. If you are having a bit of a trouble about thinking how you should propose on Valentine’s Day, you can check our Valentine’s Day Proposal Guide!
White Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
From £502
White Gold Round Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
From £826
White Gold Princess Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
From £904
White Gold Oval Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
From £971
Prong Setting Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
From £1,315
White Gold Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
From £516
Prong Setting Plain Engagement Ring
From £544
4 Prong Setting Plain Engagement Ring
From £324
Prong Setting Engagement Ring
From £682
Diamond Necklace
If your partner loves a little attention then this statement piece is ideal for her. This heart-shaped diamond pendant has a beautiful row of baguette cut diamonds that sit in a channel setting will leave her, and everyone around, speechless. You can choose from yellow gold, white gold or platinum to create the necklace that matches your partner’s style.
Diamond Studs Earrings
Earrings are a staple in any woman’s jewellery box and diamond studs can make any outfit stand out! So we thought that these heart-shaped diamond earrings are perfect to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Two 0.70-carat diamonds sit in a 3-Prong setting, which are surrounded by a stunning halo of diamonds giving to these earrings an amazing sparkle. You can choose from yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum to create the pair of earrings that match your partner’s style.
Delicate Earrings
If you are on a budget or if you are planning a week of gifts then these lovely earrings are perfect for you! These heart-shaped diamond earrings have a 0.10-carat diamond placed in the centre of the heart that makes it extra special. You can choose from yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum to create the pair of earrings that match your partner’s style. Also, for the last-minute Valentines, these earrings are ready-to-ship!
Gemstone Bracelet
This option is perfect for those who love a pop of colour in their jewellery. This beautiful bracelet has an Art Deco inspired design that houses a deep blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds that make this piece outstand from the rest. The Constance collection includes sapphires, rubies and emeralds so you can choose the colour that suits your partner better. You could also find out what is her birthstone here and choose that one for an extra special touch!
Valentines Day Gifts on a Budget
We have a range of beautiful diamond jewellery gifts to give your loved one. If you have a particular budget, we have gifts under £150 and £300 for you to choose from. Perhaps a gift card would be a great option if you're not sure what style your partner likes.
There is so much to discover on our website. You can find the perfect diamond jewellery gift to make this a Valentine’s Day to remember. To make sure you get your orders on time, the last delivery day for standard products is the 19th of January 2023 and the 9th of February 2023 for quick delivery products - find the right gift for your Valentines.