If you’re interested in selling your gold, understanding its purity is crucial for estimating its value. The hallmark on a gold item provides this information, but it can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with these small symbols. This guide will help you identify UK jewellery hallmarks so you know what you have before going to a dealer.
Why Knowing Your Hallmark Matters
Each hallmark tells you the gold’s purity. Without this information, you’re left to guess its value, which could mean selling it for less than it’s worth or expecting more than it’s likely to fetch. Learning to identify your hallmark can help you feel more confident about what you own.
How to Identify Your UK Gold Hallmarks
Here’s a simple guide to locating and interpreting the symbols on your gold item.
Step 1: Locate the Hallmark
The hallmark is usually stamped on discreet parts of the jewellery. Check inside the band of a ring, near the clasp of a necklace, or on the back of a pendant. If the hallmark is too small to read easily, use a magnifying glass or a jeweller’s loupe.
Step 2: Understand the Key Symbols in UK Hallmarks
In the UK, gold hallmarks have several standard symbols that help you understand an item’s purity, origin, and certification. Here are the main symbols to look for:
-
Purity Marks The purity mark, also known as the fineness mark, shows how much pure gold is in the item, measured in parts per thousand. Here are some common UK gold purity marks:
- 375 for 9-carat gold (37.5% gold)
- 585 for 14-carat gold (58.5% gold)
- 750 for 18-carat gold (75% gold)
- 916 for 22-carat gold (91.6% gold)
-
Assay Office Marks UK hallmarks usually include a symbol that tells you where the gold was certified. Here are the symbols for the main UK assay offices:
- Anchor for Birmingham
- Leopard’s Head for London
- Rose for Sheffield
- Castle for Edinburgh
-
Date Letters Some hallmarks include a date letter, which can indicate when the item was marked. This is useful for vintage pieces, as the date letter often corresponds to a specific year.
Step 3: Use a Hallmark Reference Guide
If you’re not sure what the symbols mean, consider using a hallmark reference guide. There are many online resources with hallmark databases, or you can refer to the websites of UK assay offices for more information.
Step 4: Consult a Professional if Needed
If you’re still uncertain, you might want to take the item to a reputable dealer like Goldealers or an assay office. We can provide verification, especially for high-value pieces.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Gold's Value Starts with Hallmarks
Learning to identify UK hallmarks can give you a better understanding of your gold’s purity and value. Whether you’re selling your jewellery or just want to know more about what you own, a bit of knowledge about hallmarks can help you make informed decisions.
If you'd like to know more about your jewellery, or if you’re considering selling gold, feel free to contact us and booking yourself in for an appraisal or additional information.
