Current UK Hallmarks
Modifications to the Hallmarking Act, effective from 1 January 1999, have changed the way articles made from precious metal are hallmarked. The UK Hallmark now comprises a minimum of three compulsory symbols.
SPONSOR'S OR MAKER'S MARK
Indicates the maker or sponsor of the article. In Britain, this mark consists of at least two letters within a shield, and no two marks are the same
METAL AND FINENESS (PURITY) MARK
Indicates the precious metal content of the article, and that it is not less the fineness indicated. Since 1999, all finenesses are indicated by a millesimal number (eg 375 is 9ct). This number is contained in a shield depicting the precious metal.
ASSAY OFFICE MARK
Indicates the particular Assay Office at which the article was tested and marked. There are now four British Assay Offices - London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh. There were other Assay Offices in former times. More information can be found at The Goldsmiths' Company website
| SPONSOR'S OR MAKER'S MARK | METAL AND FINENESS (PURITY) MARK* | ASSAY OFFICE MARK | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Gold | Silver | Platinum |  London |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 Birmingham |
|
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 Sheffield |
|
 |
||||
 |
 Edinburgh |
|||
*The Hallmark guarantees that the purity of the metal is at least that indicated by the Fineness Number