Guide to Hallmarks

What Are Hallmarks on Jewellery?

Hallmarks are official marks stamped on precious metals to certify their authenticity and purity. In the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement for many gold, silver, and platinum items, providing reassurance that your jewellery meets strict quality standards.

A UK hallmark not only confirms the metal content of your jewellery but also identifies where it was tested and who created it. For customers investing in Welsh gold jewellery, hallmarks offer an additional level of trust and provenance.

What Does a UK Hallmark Include?

A standard UK hallmark is made up of several key components:

• Assay Office Mark – Shows where the jewellery was tested and certified in the UK
• Gold Purity Mark (Fineness Mark) – Indicates gold content, such as 375 (9ct gold) or 750 (18ct gold)
• Sponsor’s Mark – Identifies the jeweller or company responsible for the piece

These marks ensure your jewellery is genuine and meets UK legal standards for precious metals.

The Welsh Maiden mark: Your Guarantee of 100% Welsh Gold content.

What Is the Welsh Maiden Trademark?

The Welsh Maiden trademark was originally used by The Britannia Gold Company Limited at the historic Gwynfynydd gold mine in North Wales. The Welsh Maiden trademark signified the purity and origin of Welsh gold and became internationally recognised as the symbol guaranteeing jewellery containing 100% authentic Welsh gold. Following Britannia Gold Company Limited’s closure, Aur Cymru Limited took over the iconic trademark and continues the proud tradition of providing our customers with fine jewellery crafted from rare100% Welsh gold.

Today, Aur Cymru Limited is the only company authorised to use the Welsh Maiden trademark, with official recognition granted by the UK Government’s Intellectual Property Office.

This means that Aur Cymru Limited jewellery bearing the official Welsh Maiden mark offers:

• A guarantee of genuine 100% Welsh gold
• A direct connection to the long tradition of fine Welsh gold jewellery
• Assurance of exclusivity and authenticity

Why Welsh Gold Hallmarks Matter

Hallmarks play an essential role in helping you identify genuine, high-quality jewellery. When it comes to Welsh gold, their importance is even greater.

Welsh gold is one of the rarest forms of gold in the world, with mining having largely ceased. This makes existing supplies incredibly limited and highly valuable.

The Welsh Maiden hallmark enhances this further by acting as a trusted symbol of:

• Authentic Welsh origin
• Limited availability
• Heritage and craftsmanship

The Triquetra Hallmark

The Triquetra hallmark is another distinctive symbol associated with Welsh gold jewellery. Inspired by the ancient Celtic triquetra design, it represents eternity, unity, and heritage.

The Triquetra mark reflects the enduring cultural significance of Welsh gold, complementing traditional UK hallmarks and the exclusive Welsh Maiden trademark. The Triquetra hallmark is used when the gold content is 20% Welsh gold and 80% Fairmined gold – such jewellery does not carry the Welsh Maiden mark because the gold content is not 100% Welsh gold.

UK Assay Office Hallmarks: Your Guarantee of Gold Quality

The hallmark of a UK Assay Office is your assurance of quality and authenticity. It confirms that a piece of jewellery meets the official standard of fineness (purity) indicated by the hallmark stamped on the item.

UK hallmarking provides trusted, independent verification that your gold jewellery complies with strict legal standards, giving you complete confidence in its composition and value.

For more information, please view the PDF or video below, provided by the UK Assay Office, or visit the Assay Office website for a comprehensive guide to UK hallmarks.

A Legacy of Quality: The Sheffield 250th Anniversary

Our commitment to craftsmanship was recently honoured on a national stage. We are proud that our cufflinks were selected by the Sheffield Assay Office to be featured in their prestigious 250th Anniversary Calendar. Being hand-picked by the very institution that safeguards British jewellery standards is a significant testament to the quality of our work.

The Sheffield Assay Office marked its 250th anniversary in 2023, celebrating two and a half centuries of integrity and excellence since its founding in 1773. The festivities culminated on 20th September 2023 - exactly 250 years to the day that the first hallmark was struck in Sheffield.

Key milestones of the anniversary included:

• The Gala Dinner: A grand celebration held at the historic Cutlers' Hall on the official anniversary date.
• Service of Thanksgiving: A commemorative service hosted at Sheffield Cathedral to honour the office's enduring heritage.
• Exhibitions: A curated showcase at the Millennium Gallery, highlighting the office’s vital role in the evolution of British metalwork.

Founded by an Act of Parliament, the Sheffield Assay Office has been the guardian of precious metal purity for over 250 years. By hallmarking gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, they ensure that every piece of jewellery meets the rigorous legal standards of the United Kingdom - a tradition we are honoured to be a part of.

Buying Welsh Gold Jewellery with Confidence

When purchasing Welsh gold jewellery, understanding hallmarks ensures you are making an informed and confident decision.

Look for:

• Official UK hallmarks confirming gold purity
• The Welsh Maiden trademark (where applicable) for added authenticity
• Clear information from the jeweller about the origin of the gold

By choosing jewellery with recognised hallmarks, you are investing in a piece that is not only beautiful, but also verified, traceable, and rich in heritage.

All of our jewellery also comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity.