A hallmark is a set of component marks which verify a product's material. Precious metals are rarely used in their purest form, instead being mixed with other metals to make them more durable. Hallmarks are only applied to precious metals Platinum, Gold, Palladium and Silver.

It isn't possible to detect an article's precious metal content by sight or touch, therefore it is a legal requirement for items being sold as precious metal, over a certain weight, to bear a hallmark. All Silver items that weigh less than 7.78g do not require a hallmark.

Hallmarks are applied to precious metals to indicate the amount of pure metal in a product. Traditionally applied by striking with a punch, hallmarks can now also be applied using lasers.

It is illegal to sell a precious metal product without a hallmark and non-precious items are not permitted to have a hallmark. Items with just 925 are not legally hallmarked as they are missing the other marks.

Something being sold in the UK without a hallmark is breaking the law and there is a high chance the item may not be made from precious metal.

Every Serge DeNimes ring, necklace & bracelet has been verified by the Goldsmiths Company Assay Office in London, which means you can trust that every item you buy from us is made from Sterling Silver, as they have provided independent quality assurance. Earrings are also made from 925 Sterling Silver however they are under the weight limit and therefore do not need to be tested and hallmarked. Our factory tests these before shipping as part of our quality control.