Changes in rules to permit hallmarking of mixed-metal jewellery

Relevant to
Producers, manufacturers, designers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of jewellery and other articles made of mixed precious metals, and valuers and salesrooms in the UK

Took effect on
6 April 2007

From 6 April 2007, a change in the rules will allow hallmarking of many more items of jewellery and other articles made of mixed-metals.

Under the new system, you will be able to apply to an assay office to test for purity and strike hallmarks on to:

• articles of mixed precious metals if each metal meets the minimum standard of fineness for that particular metal 
• articles of mixed precious metals and other materials such as base metals if each metal or precious metal in the article meets the standard of fineness for that particular metal

You should refer to the regulations to find out how the new rules apply in respect of:

• hallmarking each precious metal part
• handling coatings for hallmarking purposes - eg ignoring rhodium 
• the options for hallmarking for specific circumstances
• which marks are required and which are optional

Unhallmarked articles made before 1950 will - like those made before 1920 - be exempt from hallmarking if they meet current minimum purity requirements.

Later in the year, further amendments are expected to allow for changes in exemptions to the 1973 Act for goods containing small amounts of mixed precious metals and materials other than precious ones.

If you import jewellery and watches to sell as gold, silver or platinum, you must have them assayed and hallmarked in the UK before you supply to retailers. This requirement will apply if they do not already bear the Common Control Mark of the Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals, which has been applied by a convention member.

You do not have to hallmark mixed-metal jewellery or other precious metal articles. However, without a hallmark, you cannot describe them as comprising of gold, silver or platinum.

• Find your regional assay office and guidance on the hallmarking system on the British Hallmarking Council website - Opens in a new window
• Find guidance on changes to the hallmarking system on the British Hallmarking Council website - Opens in a new window

Full title of regulation
The Hallmarking Act 1973 (Amendment) Regulations 2007; The Hallmarking Act 1973 (Exemption) (Amendment) Order

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