History of Hallmark in Timeline

A hallmark is an official mark applied to metal items, particularly those made of precious metals like platinum, gold, silver, and palladium, to certify their purity and content. It serves as a guarantee of the metal's quality. In a broader context, the term 'hallmark' signifies any recognized standard of quality or distinguishing characteristic. It is different from responsibility marks that identify the maker of an item. Hallmarks ensure consumer trust and confidence in the value and authenticity of metal goods.

1919: French Mark Head of Horse

In 1919, the French mark head of horse was used for jewellery and watches from 18k gold made in the French provinces between 1838 and 1919

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 to standardize legislation on precious metals and facilitate international trade. Articles conforming to the standard receive the Common Control Mark (CCM).

1972: Official French Hallmarks Used

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

1973: The 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 more closely with the European Union, with the date letter no longer being a compulsory part of the hallmark.

1999: Millennium Mark Available

In 1999, the 'Millennium mark' was available for the years 1999 and 2000.

2000: Date Mark

In 2000, the date mark (lowercase a) and the 'Millennium mark' were available.

July 2009: Hallmarking Act Amended

In July 2009, the Hallmarking Act was amended to include palladium from January 2010.

February 2013: Legislative Reform Order Effective

In February 2013, a legislative reform order (LRO) came into effect, giving UK assay offices the legal right to strike hallmarks outside of UK territory.

July 2016: Birmingham Assay Office Begins Striking Hallmarks in Mumbai, India

In July 2016, Birmingham Assay Office began striking Birmingham hallmarks in Mumbai, India, with further offshore offices likely to be established.

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, possibly requiring an 'offshore' assay mark.