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
Looking for a last minute Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone? Don’t worry, we have you covered, with our wide range of beautiful ready to deliver products. From delightful diamond earrings and pretty pendants to engagement rings that they won’t be able to resist, here are our top Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Order by Monday 10th February to get the perfect gift, just in time for the big day. You can thank us later...
Diamond Earrings
If you are looking to give your significant other an extra special gift this Valentine’s Day, a pair of diamond earrings are the perfect choice. If they love to dress up, why not give them some delicate drop earrings, or if you prefer to play it safe you can never go wrong with a pair of diamond studs as they are both versatile and timeless. Here are some of our favourites:
Engagement Rings
Looking to make this Valentine’s Day a truly unforgettable one? Pop the question with a beautiful engagement ring from our ready to deliver range. Each design is ready and waiting, meaning that it will reach you in time for the special day. All you need to worry about is planning the perfect moment. Here are a few ideas:
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Eternity Rings
An eternity ring is the perfect gift for those celebrating a special milestone. Whether that be the birth of your first child, to mark an anniversary or to celebrate a special moment with your loved one, an eternity ring is a great way to make it unforgettable. Say “I love you” this year with a beautiful eternity ring from our range. Here are some of our top designs:
Diamond Pendants
A diamond pendant makes a great gift for any occasion and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Proclaim your love to that special someone with a pendant that matches their style and personality. Not only will they be surprised with the gesture, each time they wear it they will be thinking of you. Here are a few of our favourites:
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Diamond Tennis Bracelets
For a gift that screams luxury, look no further than a diamond tennis bracelet. Adorned with rows of beautiful diamonds, for plenty of sparkle, a tennis bracelet makes a great extra special gift for Valentine’s Day. A gift this precious will become a treasured part of your partner’s collection and will make them smile every time they wear it. Here are some suggestions:
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