The Encyclopedia · Metals & marks
Hallmark
An official mark guaranteeing the purity of precious metal, struck after testing.
A hallmark is an official mark struck on gold, silver or platinum after it has been tested by an assay office, guaranteeing its purity. The word comes from Goldsmiths’ Hall in London. Each country has its own system: the eagle’s head in France, the star mark in Italy, the combination of sponsor’s mark, fineness, office and date letter in Britain. The United States has no national hallmarking system; pieces are marked by the maker.
What to look for
The hallmarks should agree with the signature, the period and the country of origin. Small marks are easy to miss: look on clasps, tongues, pin stems and the inside of shanks.
See also our guide How to Read French Gold Hallmarks.
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