History of Hallmark in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

A hallmark is an official mark, or a series of marks, applied to metallic items, particularly those made of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Its primary purpose is to certify the content and purity of these metals. While traditionally associated with metal goods, the term "hallmark" is broadly used to denote any standard of quality or authenticity. It is important to distinguish hallmarks from responsibility marks, which identify the maker of the item.

1919: French mark

In 1919, the French mark head of horse for jewellery and watches from 18k gold made in the French provinces was used.

November 1972: Vienna Convention on the Control of the Fineness and the Hallmarking of Precious Metal Objects Signed

In November 1972, a core group of European nations signed the Vienna Convention on the Control of the Fineness and the Hallmarking of Precious Metal Objects, in an attempt at standardizing the legislation on the inspection of precious metals and to facilitate international trade. Articles conforming to the standard receive the Common Control Mark (CCM).

1972: Official French Hallmarks

In 1972, official French Hallmarks for gold and silver were used.

1973: Hallmarking Act 1973

In 1973, the Hallmarking Act 1973 made Britain a member of the Vienna Convention and introduced marking for platinum.

1999: Changes to the UK hallmarking system

In 1999, changes were made to the UK hallmarking system to align it with the European Union, with the date letter no longer a compulsory part of the hallmark.

1999: Millennium mark

In 1999, the 'Millennium mark' was available.

2000: Date mark (lowercase a for the year 2000)

In the year 2000, the date mark was lowercase a.

July 2009: Hallmarking Act Amendment

In July 2009, the Hallmarking Act was amended to include palladium.

January 2010: Palladium Inclusion

From January 2010, palladium was included in the Hallmarking Act.

February 2013: Legislative Reform Order (LRO) Effective

In February 2013, a Legislative Reform Order (LRO) came into effect, granting UK assay offices the legal right to strike hallmarks outside of UK territory.

July 2016: Birmingham Assay Office strikes hallmarks in Mumbai, India

In July 2016, Birmingham Assay Office began striking Birmingham hallmarks in Mumbai, India, with the possibility of establishing further offshore offices.

March 2018: British Hallmarking Council Announcement

In March 2018, the British Hallmarking Council announced that UK assay office marks struck offshore must be distinguishable from those struck in the UK.