Hallmark Finder
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Discover the fascinating story behind every hallmark on your gold, silver, or platinum jewellery with our exclusive Hallmark Finder. From intricate lion and leopard symbols to the iconic anchor, rose, or castle marks, this resource is here to help you identify when and where your treasured piece was tested and certified. Whether you’re encountering numbers like 9, 12, 15, 18, 22, 375, 585, 750, or 916, each mark reveals details about the metal’s fineness and can serve as a reliable clue about your jewellery’s origin.
In Britain, hallmarking has a proud heritage, stretching back centuries to guarantee the authenticity of precious metals. Historically, Chester, Glasgow, and York operated as major Assay Offices, while today’s hallmarking practices continue through London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh. Uncover how these marks, including date letters and symbols, fit together to reveal a compelling snapshot of your item’s past. If you’ve inherited or collected vintage and antique rings or are simply curious about a newly acquired piece, understanding the hallmark can illuminate the craftsmanship, purity, and age behind each design.
Use our Hallmark Finder to take a deep dive into Britain’s long-standing hallmarking tradition. Whether you’re investigating a lion passant on a silver heirloom, searching for the meaning behind a 750 stamp on a gold band, or exploring an elusive date letter from a now-discontinued Assay Office, each hallmark tells its own rich story.
Step 1: Select the office stamp you want to hallmark.
Step 2: Now select the fineness stamp. If you can't find one, or you're unsure, just hit "Skip".
Step 3: Now select the matching letter(s).
Click a letter twice
to unselect it. If you're not sure, click "I'm Not Sure" and you'll be
able to select from the full list of year stamps.
Otherwise, you
can hit "Skip" to go straight to your results so far.
Step 4: Finally, select the matching year stamp.
Your item was hallmarked by the Assay Office of {{ APP.runningResult.assayOfficeName }}.
Your item is platinum
Your item is 9 carat gold.
Your item is 12 carat gold.
Your item is 14 carat gold.
Your item is 15 carat gold.
Your item is 18 carat gold.
Your item is 22 carat gold.
Your item was hallmarked after {{ APP.runningResult.yearFrom }}.
Your item was hallmarked between {{ APP.runningResult.yearFrom }} and {{ APP.runningResult.yearTo }}.
Your item was hallmarked in {{ APP.runningResult.yearFrom }}.
We hope our Hallmark Finder has sparked your curiosity about the world of British hallmarks and given you insights into the possible age and origin of your cherished pieces. For centuries, the hallmarking system has provided peace of mind to collectors and enthusiasts alike, ensuring quality and authenticity across gold, silver, and platinum jewellery. From the regal Leopard’s Head of London to the venerable Anchor of Birmingham, Britain’s hallmarking tradition reflects a remarkable tapestry of regional and historical influences.
Every hallmark symbol—from a castle for Edinburgh to a rose for Sheffield—embodies a wealth of information about when and where your jewellery was tested. Add in the wealth of numerical purity marks, such as 375 (9 carat gold) or 916 (22 carat gold), and you can piece together the full story behind your heirloom. If you come across references to Chester, Glasgow, or York, you may be looking at an older piece, steeped in history from an Assay Office that has since closed its doors.
Whether you’re researching a family heirloom, pursuing a passion for antique rings, or simply longing to uncover the heritage of your jewellery collection, the British hallmarking system opens a window into centuries of craftsmanship and legislation. These tiny but powerful stamps capture the essence of an item’s past, ensuring that each hallmark remains a testament to the enduring commitment to quality in British jewellery.
Disclaimer: The information provided by our Hallmark Finder is intended as a general guide and should not be taken as a guarantee of authenticity, value, or origin. For expert advice or an official valuation, please consult a qualified professional.