British Hallmarking Council launches website

The websites of the four independent UK Assay Offices who are permitted to strike the UK hallmark, link into the site.

The combined websites provide an overview of all aspects of hallmarking for businesses working in or with the UK jewellery or silversmithing industry and their customers.

BHC secretary of the BHC David Gwyther said: “The UK hallmarking regime is one of the most rigorous in the world and provides excellent protection for both consumers and the trade. This new website will be a useful source of information for many who want to understand its workings in more detail.”

The BHC falls under the remit of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the new website sits within the BIS website at www.bis.gov.uk/britishhallmarkingcouncil.

This is part of the government-wide initiative to rationalise websites and ensure people enjoy easier access to information.

Hallmarking is the UK’s oldest form of consumer protection and with rising precious metal prices it is increasingly important for those buying or selling jewellery and other precious metal articles to be fully informed of the prevailing legislation.

Under the Hallmarking Act 1973, all gold, silver, platinum and palladium articles over a minimum threshold weight must be independently checked by an Assay Office and every piece hallmarked to guarantee its precious metal content before it can be described or sold as precious metal.

There are currently four independent, separate Assay offices in the UK, in Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Sheffield and their activities are supervised by the BHC.

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