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Definition of Hallmark

Connoisseurs of fine gold, silver and platinum handcrafted items spend large amounts of money for single pieces to add to their collections. Discerning the fake from the genuine precious metal piece would be difficult but for the hallmark.

History
- Hallmarks were applied to gold and silver items by British assayers under a law enacted in 1300 during the reign of Edward I. From as early as 1829, France required hallmarks on gold and silver items.
Function
- Hallmarks are official stamps guaranteeing the conformity of an item to standards of purity determined under law. The stamp protects customers against unscrupulous artisans claiming an item is gold, silver, or platinum when it is not.
Features
- The hallmark indicates the date and place an item was assayed and its silver, gold or platinum content. The date the item was created, the artisan's special mark and where the item was made are not considered a hallmark, according to author Christie Romero, the director of the Center for Jewelry Studies.
Geography
- Many European countries like Sweden, Finland, Austria, Hungary, Poland and France as well as Mexico, China, and Russia employ a system of hallmarks to guarantee the purity of precious metal items.
Fun Fact
- Silver Swiss-made watch cases are legally required to have a hallmark while many pieces of jewelry do not require hallmarks.

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