It is illegal for any trader to sell or describe a precious metal article as gold, silver or platinum unless it is hallmarked. Gold articles weighing less than 1 gram, silver articles weighing less than 7.78 grams and platinum articles weighing less than half a gram are exempt from hallmarking.

The British UK hallmark guarantees that the purity of the metal is at least that indicated by the fineness Number. Below are some examples of current UK hallmarks.

Compulsory marks
Modifications to the hallmarking Act, effective from 1 January 1999, Have changed the way articles made of precious metal are hallmarked. The UK Hallmark now comprises a minimum of three compulsory symbols.

Sponsors or Makers Mark Indicates the maker or sponsor of the article. In Britain, this mark consists of at least two letters within the shield, and no two marks are the same. Metal and Fineness (Purity) MarkIndicates the precious metal content of thee article, and that it is not less than the fineness indicated. Since 1999, all finesses are indicated by a millesimal number (e.g. 375 is 9ct). This number is contained in a shield depicting the precious metal. Assay Office Mark Indicates the particular Assay Office at which the article was tested and marked. There are now four British Assay Offices – London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh. There were other Assay Offices in former times.

Voluntary Marks in English Hallmarks

Traditional Fineness (Purity) Mark
Prior to 1999, silver and platinum finenesses were indicated by symbols.

Common Control Mark
This is a mark used by countries which are signatories to the International Convention on Hallmarks.

Date Mark
Until 1999, a date letter indicating the year of hallmarking was compulsory. This is no longer so, but it can be applied voluntarily in addition to the compulsory marks.

Commemorative Mark
One example is the Millennium Mark which will be applied to precious metals by the four UK Assay Offices during 1999 and 2000.

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