UK Hallmarking

UK law requires that any piece of jewellery sold as gold, silver, palladium or platinum over a minimum weight is independently tested and stamped. This is hallmarking, and it is the oldest form of consumer protection in the country, in unbroken use since 1300.

Every Buy Fine Diamonds piece that meets the threshold weight is sent to the London Assay Office at Goldsmiths' Hall. The Assay Office tests the metal and applies the marks before the piece is set and finished.

The four marks

The full hallmark contains four marks struck side by side on the inside of the band:

• Sponsor mark- our registered maker's mark identifying Buy Fine Diamonds.
• Fineness mark - the precious metal content, e.g. 950 for platinum, 750 for 18k gold, 375 for 9k gold.
• Assay office mark- a leopard's head for the London Assay Office.
• Date letter - a unique letter and shield identifying the year of assay.

What we send to the Assay Office

• Engagement rings, wedding bands, eternity rings and stacking rings.
• Most pendants, chains, earrings and bracelets above the legal weight threshold.
• All bespoke commissions, regardless of weight.

Some very delicate pieces fall below the legal weight threshold and do not require a hallmark. We will note this on your invoice.

Verifying your mark

Each piece ships with a brief card explaining the hallmark struck on it. You can verify any London hallmark online via the Goldsmiths' Company records.