Hallmarking has a long history within
the United Kingdom, which dates back almost
700 years. This is the earliest form of consumer
protection known in this country and it is highly
beneficial to the consumer.
A hallmark is a small marking, stamped on silver,
gold and many platinum articles. These stamps
prove that the item has been individually examined
and tested for any flaws, which may place in
doubt the item’s quality and/or authenticity.
These tests make sure that each item conforms
to all legal requirements involving the standards
of purity. These tests can only be carried out
in an Assay Office, of which there are only
four in the UK. These offices are situated in
London, Sheffield, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
The
Hallmarking Act 1973 was changed on the
1st January 1999, and now allows articles of
slightly higher and lower standards of purity
to be sold in this country. This has brought
into alignment both UK and European Law. Consumers
now have a wider choice in goods, but continue
to be protected all the same.
It is illegal for any trader to sell and/or
describe a precious metal as gold, silver or
platinum unless it is stamped with a hallmark.
Silver articles weighing less than 7.8 grams,
gold articles weighing less than 1 gram and
platinum articles weighing less than ½
gram are all exempt from the hallmarking rule.
Mio! Is proud to announce that all our silver
jewellery is stamped with a unique hallmark
and is guaranteed 925. The jewellery you are
buying from us is of the highest quality and
complies with the current laws.
