A quiet guide to purity, provenance, and the assurance behind every piece.

In the world of jewellery, a hallmark is a small detail that carries considerable weight. A mark you may barely notice; a promise that stays for a lifetime.

In the UK, hallmarks are a legal requirement - a commitment to honesty, transparency, and the integrity of the metals we choose to work with. For us, they represent something more: a subtle reminder that every piece has been considered, tested, and crafted with care.

What Is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is a series of tiny symbols stamped onto precious metal jewellery. Together, they confirm three things:

1. The purity of the metal
2. The maker behind this piece
3. The independent assay office that tested and approved it

It is a quiet seal of trust - a reassurance that what you’re wearing is exactly what it claims to be.

Understanding Metal Purity

Gold

Gold is rarely used in its pure 24ct form. Instead, it’s blended with other metals to create durability and colour.

Common UK fineness marks include:

• 375 - 9ct gold
• 585 - 14ct gold
• 750 - 18ct gold

At Maya Magal, we often work in 9ct and 18ct solid gold - chosen for their longevity, gentle hue, and everyday wearability.

Silver

Sterling silver carries the 925 mark, meaning it’s 92.5% pure silver. This blend balances beauty with strength - perfect for the pieces you wear day in, day out.

The Maker’s Mark

Every hallmark begins with the maker. Ours is a small, distinct symbol registered with the London Assay Office - a quiet signature representing our studio, our values, and the hands that shaped each piece.

It’s the only part of the hallmark that comes from us; the rest is independently verified.

The Assay Office Mark

The assay office symbol tells you where the piece was tested. The UK has four historic offices:

• London
• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Sheffield

We work closely with the London Assay Office, just a short distance from where our jewellers craft each collection.

Optional Hallmarks You May See

Traditional Fineness Mark

A pictorial symbol - a crown for gold, a lion for sterling silver. A nod to age-old practice.

Date Letter

A simple alphabet letter indicating the year of hallmarking. Quietly charming; rarely required today.

Recycled Metals & Hallmarking

Recycled gold and silver are tested in exactly the same way as newly mined metal. Once purity is confirmed, they are hallmarked to the same standards.

The result: a piece that carries modern intention and traditional assurance.

Why Hallmarks Matter

Subtle though they are, hallmarks speak to:

• Authenticity
• Transparency
• Longevity
• Craftsmanship

A quiet integrity that sits at the heart of everything we make.

FAQs: Jewellery Hallmarks

Do all pieces of jewellery need a hallmark?

In the UK, any gold, silver, or platinum piece above a certain weight must be hallmarked by law. Lightweight pieces sit below the legal threshold, but our commitment to purity and craft remains exactly the same.

Where can I find the hallmark on my jewellery?

Look inside a ring band, near the clasp of a necklace, or along the inner curve of a bangle. Hallmarks are placed discreetly to protect both comfort and design.

Does recycled gold still receive a hallmark?

Yes. Recycled metals are tested to the same standards as newly mined metal and are hallmarked in the same way. Pure, honest, and traceable.

What does 9ct or 18ct gold actually mean?

The carat number describes the proportion of pure gold:

• 9ct (375) — 37.5% gold
• 18ct (750) — 75% gold

Both are enduring choices; the right one simply depends on your preference for colour and weight.

Can a hallmark fade over time?

Hallmarks are stamped deeply into the metal and rarely disappear. Daily wear may soften their edges, but the mark remains - a quiet signature that endures as long as the piece does.

Why does my jewellery have more than one symbol?

Each symbol has its own role: the maker’s mark, the metal purity, the assay office. Together, they form a complete and trusted picture of your jewellery.

Is a hallmark the same as a maker’s mark?

Not quite. A hallmark includes all the independent symbols verified by an assay office. The maker’s mark is our personal stamp - the part that comes directly from our studio.

Can antique or heirloom jewellery be re-hallmarked?

Yes. When redesigning or resetting an heirloom piece, we can arrange for the metal to be reassessed and re-hallmarked where appropriate. A renewed chapter for an already cherished piece.

How do I know if a hallmark is genuine?

A genuine UK hallmark always includes an official assay office mark alongside the fineness number. If you’re unsure, we’re always here to help you read the marks with clarity and confidence.