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Hallmarking is probably the first example of consumer protection law. In 1300 King Edward I enacted a statute ordering that all silver articles must meet the Sterling silver standard (92.5% pure silver), and should be assayed by ‘guardians of the craft’.
A hallmark is an official quality control mark placed on gold, silver and platinum and provides a safeguard to the consumer. An item’s hallmark signifies that it has been tested (assayed) by an independent body (the Assay Office) and guarantees that the metal is of one the legal standards of fineness, or purity. A hallmark indicates exactly what an item is made up of. |
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Clogau Gold hallmarks, sponsor's mark and stamps |
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Assay Office Hallmark – Since 2004, each piece of Clogau Gold jewellery is tested and marked by the Edinburgh Assay Office. |
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Clogau Gold Sponsor’s Mark – This identifies Clogau Gold as the manufacturer of the item and is struck by the assay office. |
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Clogau Gold stamp – This identifies the item as a genuine and original Clogau Gold jewellery piece.
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Welsh Dragon stamp – This stamp guarantees that Clogau Welsh gold has been added to your jewellery. At present, this stamp is not included on Clogau Gold watches although they do contain Clogau Welsh gold. |
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18ct gold standard mark – This indentifies an item’s gold purity as 750 parts per thousand. |
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9ct gold standard mark – This indentifies an item’s gold purity as 375 parts per thousand. |
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Sterling silver standard mark – This indicates the item contains sterling silver with a purity of 925 parts per thousand. |
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Diamond Jubilee mark – In 2012, selected items will be stamped with the commemorative Jubilee mark in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. This mark can only be applied up until 1st October 2012 and so any items purchased after this time may not include the mark. |