If you own gold jewellery—maybe it’s that chain you never take off, a ring you’re thinking of selling, or some old family piece—one of the most useful things you can learn is how to read gold hallmarks. Those tiny stamps on your jewellery? They’re basically its passport. They reveal what the metal is, how pure it is, where it was tested, sometimes even when it was made.
But here’s the catch: most people have no clue what their hallmarks actually mean. And that’s exactly how buyers or pawnshops can take advantage of you.
If you’ve checked out our main guide, Best Way To Sell Gold Jewellery in the UK, you already know understanding your gold’s purity is the key to getting a fair deal instead of being lowballed. And if you’ve read our other blogs—like How to Spot Fake Gold Jewellery or The Hidden Value of Vintage Jewellery—you get it: not all gold is created equal. Purity really matters.
Here’s what you’ll learn as you read:
- What hallmarks actually mean
- How to read UK purity stamps (like 375, 585, 750, 916)
- The three official hallmark symbols every gold item should have
- Optional marks most people overlook
- How to spot missing or fake hallmarks
- And why hallmarks are so important when you’re buying or selling
By the end, you’ll be able to flip any gold piece over, find the stamps, and know exactly what you’re looking at—no jeweller needed.
“Hallmarks reveal your jewellery’s true purity — and protect you from being underpaid.”
What Exactly Is a Hallmark?
The UK’s Gold “Guarantee Stamp” Explained
Most people never even think about the hallmark stamped on their gold jewellery, but honestly, it’s the one thing you should check first. That tiny mark isn’t just decoration—it’s your official guarantee. It tells you the gold is real, says exactly how pure it is, and proves someone independent has tested it.
In the UK, there’s no skipping this step. If your gold jewellery weighs over 1 gram, it has to have a hallmark by law. No exceptions. So if you spot that mark, you know it’s been checked and approved by an official Assay Office—never just the seller or some market stall.
Here’s why that matters. You can’t tell gold purity just by looking. A 9ct bracelet and an 18ct bracelet? They look almost the same, but one has twice the pure gold. Some sellers hope you don’t notice.
A UK hallmark guarantees four things:
- The metal’s real. Not plated, not fake, not mis-sold.
- The purity is spot on—whether it’s 9ct (375), 14ct (585), 18ct (750), or 22ct (916).
- It’s tested by one of the official Assay Offices: London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Edinburgh.
- It follows UK hallmarking law, so you’re protected.
Understanding hallmarks is a game-changer, especially if you ever want to sell your gold. Like we explain in Best Way to Sell Gold Jewellery in the UK, knowing the exact purity often means an extra £50–£300 in your pocket.
👉 Also see: Hallmarks Explained: A Beginner’s Guide
“A hallmark is your official guarantee that the gold is genuine and correctly graded.”
The 3 Compulsory Hallmarks
Every Genuine UK Gold Item Should Have These Three Stamps
UK law lays it out pretty simply: if you’ve got a gold item that’s over the exemption weight, it needs three hallmark stamps. No exceptions. You’ll see all the details in the attached document.
These little symbols aren’t just for show. They’re your guarantee that someone tested your jewellery and confirmed it’s real gold. When you know what to look for, these marks help you spot genuine gold and figure out what it’s actually worth—super handy if you’re thinking about selling. (Check out our blog: Best Way To Sell Gold Jewellery in the UK.)
So, what should you look for? Always check for these three hallmarks:
1. Sponsor’s Mark (or Maker’s Mark)
This is usually just a set of initials or a logo from the manufacturer or retailer who sent the piece off for testing. Think of it like a signature. It tells you who made or imported the item. You might see something like “AB,” “NGJ,” or “HM.”
2. Fineness Mark (Gold Purity Stamp)
Here’s the big one for value. This stamp shows exactly how pure the gold is:
375 = 9ct gold (37.5% pure)
585 = 14ct gold (58.5% pure)
750 = 18ct gold (75% pure)
916 = 22ct gold (91.6% pure)
That number is the gold content in parts per thousand, and it has a direct impact on the price. Want to dig deeper? Check out our guides: How to Spot Fake Gold Jewellery and Gold vs Paper Gold – What Buyers Must Know.
3. Assay Office Mark
This tells you where the gold got tested. In the UK, you’ll see:
Anchor = Birmingham
Leopard Head = London
Yorkshire Rose = Sheffield
Castle = Edinburgh
Only these official offices can test and certify precious metals.
When all three of these hallmarks are there, you know your jewellery is genuine, graded correctly, and legally stamped. If you spot one missing—or more—be careful, especially if you’re buying or trying to figure out value.
“Every genuine UK gold item has these three essential hallmark stamps.”
Optional Hallmarks That Add Extra Information
The Extra Symbols That Reveal Even More About Your Gold
Let’s talk about those extra marks you sometimes see on gold jewellery. Besides the three required hallmarks, there are a bunch of optional ones floating around. Legally, they don’t change the gold’s purity, but they do tell you a lot more—especially if you’re into vintage pieces, collecting, or selling gold on your own. Honestly, most people miss these, but they show up more often than you’d think. The PDF I attached breaks them down in detail.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
1. Traditional Fineness Symbols
Think of these as the old-school way to show what metal you’ve got. For example:
Crown means gold.
Orb or globe means platinum.
Lion passant means sterling silver.
Before numbers like “375” or “750” took over, these symbols were the standard. You’ll still spot them on older jewellery, which helps date vintage finds. (Check out “The Hidden Value of Vintage Jewellery”—these marks can boost value.)
2. Date Letter Mark
This is just a single letter stamped inside a shield, showing the year the piece was hallmarked. Like, a “Y” means 2023, “Z” is 2024. Each Assay Office puts its own spin on the font and shape every year. If you’re hunting antiques or trying to value designer pieces, this is gold (pun intended).
3. Common Control Mark (CCM)
This one’s international. It’s used in countries that follow the Vienna Convention, and it tells you the metal type, purity, and whether it meets shared standards. If you’re buying jewellery abroad or bringing pieces into the UK, this mark makes life a lot easier.
4. Commemorative Marks
These are one-off symbols made for big national events. Think Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee, or the King’s Coronation Mark from 2022 to 2024. Jewellery with these marks can be more valuable, especially to collectors or anyone with a sentimental streak.
So why do these optional hallmarks matter? They won’t change how pure the gold is, but they do change its story—and sometimes its price tag. If you’re selling, these marks can help you prove the jewellery’s age, authenticity, where it was made, and even drum up extra interest from collectors. (If you want to know more about selling, check out “Best Way To Sell Gold Jewellery in the UK.”)
“Optional hallmarks reveal extra details about age, origin, and design.”
Do All Gold Items Need a Hallmark?
Understanding the UK’s Hallmark Exemption Rules
Although most gold jewellery in the UK must legally carry a hallmark, there are a few exceptions — and this often confuses people. The attached PDF explains these exemption rules, and understanding them helps you avoid assuming an item is fake just because it isn’t stamped.
Hallmark Exemption Weights in the UK
Gold jewellery does not need a hallmark if its gold weight is under:
✔️ 1 gram of gold
This is the exemption threshold for:
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gold
-
and palladium
That means very small items like:
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tiny pendants
-
lightweight stud earrings
-
hollow charms
-
some small chains
…may be legally unhallmarked even when the gold is completely genuine.
Other metals for reference:
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Silver → exempt under 7.78g
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Platinum → exempt under 0.5g
Why This Matters When Valuing
Small, unhallmarked pieces often get dismissed as fake — especially by inexperienced buyers. But unhallmarked does not mean fake. It simply means:
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the item was too light to require a hallmark,
-
it may have been made abroad,
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or it may be older than modern hallmarking rules.
A proper jeweller will still test purity using XRF or acid testing.
👉 Read next:
Always Let a Professional Check It
If you're not sure whether an unhallmarked item is real, bring it in. Gold purity tests take minutes and prevent you from giving away something valuable.
“Gold under 1 gram doesn’t legally require a hallmark — but can still be genuine.”
How to Read Gold Hallmarks
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide Anyone Can Follow
Once you get what the different hallmark symbols mean, the next thing is figuring out how to read them all together. Honestly, this is where most people trip up — but it’s really not as tough as it looks once you know what to check for. Grab the attached PDF and follow along.
Here’s a step-by-step way to read any UK gold hallmark:
Step 1: Spot the Purity Number (Fineness Mark)
You’ll see a three-digit number, like:
375 — that’s 9ct
585 — 14ct
750 — 18ct
916 — 22ct
This number shows exactly how much pure gold is in the piece. Purity matters most when it comes to price. (See: Best Way To Sell Gold Jewellery in the UK.)
Step 2: Find the Assay Office Symbol
Look for a tiny icon:
Leopard Head means London
Anchor means Birmingham
Rose is Sheffield
Castle is Edinburgh
That tells you where the gold was tested and certified.
Step 3: Check for the Sponsor’s Mark
Usually just a set of initials, like AB, HM, or NGJ. That’s the maker or retailer who sent the item in for testing.
Step 4: Look for Optional Marks
Sometimes you’ll see extras, like:
A crown (classic gold symbol)
A date letter (the year it was hallmarked)
Commemorative marks (like the King’s Coronation)
Common Control Mark (CCM)
These extra marks can bump up the value, especially if you’re into vintage or collectible jewellery. (See: The Hidden Value of Vintage Jewellery.)
Step 5: Put It All Together
Say you spot a ring with:
750 | Crown | Leopard Head | AB | “Z” Date Letter
Here’s what that tells you, right away:
18ct gold
It’s UK gold (crown)
Tested in London (leopard head)
Made by “AB”
Hallmarked in 2024 (“Z” date letter)
So with just a quick glance, you’ve got the full story on your jewellery.
“Once you know what to look for, reading hallmarks becomes easy.”
Why Hallmarks Matter When Buying or Selling Gold
Hallmarks Protect You — And Your Money
Hallmarks aren’t just tiny marks stamped into metal—they’re your best friend when you’re buying, selling, or even just figuring out what your gold jewellery is really worth in the UK. The document attached spells it out: hallmarks protect you, guarantee the metal’s purity, and keep fraud at bay.
Thinking of selling old gold? Maybe you’re eyeing some second-hand jewellery, or you’ve just inherited something sparkly. Here’s why hallmarks matter:
✔️ They Prove Your Gold Is Genuine
No hallmark? No official proof your jewellery’s actually gold. Sure, it could still be real, but now you’ll need a pro to test it and be sure.
✔️ They Show Exactly How Pure It Is
Two rings might look the same, but one’s 9ct and the other’s 18ct—big difference. You might see numbers like “375” and “750.” Hallmarks tell you which is which, and that changes the price in a big way if you’re selling.
✔️ They Boost Resale Value
Hallmarked pieces sell for more. Buyers trust them, jewellers can value them instantly, and everyone knows the gold’s legit. Vintage or collectible items with clear hallmarks? Those can fetch even higher prices.
✔️ They Help You Date and Identify Pieces
Extra hallmarks (like date letters or special commemorative marks) can pin down when and where something was made. Sometimes, that makes a piece even more collectible.
So, here’s the deal: hallmarks protect everyone—sellers, buyers, and jewellers alike. If you don’t get how they work, you’re at a disadvantage. But once you do, you can value your jewellery with confidence and make sure you’re not getting short-changed.
"Hallmarks help you buy and sell gold with confidence — and avoid being underpaid.”
Hallmarks Give You Power — Use Them to Protect Your Jewellery’s Value
Gold hallmarks aren’t just little stamps hidden inside your jewellery—they’re your built-in safety net. Those marks tell you exactly what you’ve got: how pure the gold is, who made it, where it got tested, and sometimes even when it was made. Once you know how to read them, you stop guessing and start making real decisions.
Maybe you’re checking an old family ring, thinking about picking up something second-hand, or even looking to sell off some gold. Hallmarks give you the real facts, so you’re not left in the dark. Like we explain in Best Way To Sell Gold Jewellery in the UK, just knowing your hallmarks can bump up your sale by £50–£300. Purity and authenticity—those decide your final price. And if you’re buying something used, a proper hallmark keeps you from walking away with something that’s plated or not what the seller claimed.
If you’re not sure about a piece, just bring it to us. At Blackwell Jewellers, we’ll check the hallmarks for free, give you a full gold valuation, and tell you honestly what you’re dealing with. Whether you want to keep your jewellery, sell it, or just learn a bit more about its background, we’re here to help.
Your gold has its own story. Let’s help you read it.
👉 Get a FREE hallmark check at Blackwell Jewellers
👉Request a gold valuation online or in-store
“Bring your jewellery in — we’ll decode the hallmarks and explain the real value.”
Hallmarks Give You Power — Use Them to Protect Your Jewellery’s Value
Gold hallmarks aren’t just random marks inside your ring or bracelet—they’re there to protect you. Those little symbols show the gold’s purity, who made it, where it was tested, and sometimes even the year it came to life. Once you get how hallmarks work, you stop guessing and start making smart choices.
Let’s say you’re double-checking a family piece, eyeing up some second-hand jewellery, or thinking about selling old gold. Hallmarks give you the facts. No guesswork, just clear answers.
In our guide, Best Way To Sell Gold Jewellery in the UK, we show how knowing your hallmarks can put an extra £50–£300 in your pocket when you sell. That’s because buyers pay for purity and authenticity—no exceptions. And if you’re looking at pre-owned jewellery, a proper hallmark keeps you from accidentally picking up something that’s gold-plated or not what it seems.
Not sure what your hallmarks mean? Bring your jewellery to us. At Blackwell Jewellers, we’ll check your hallmarks for free, give you an honest gold valuation, and help you figure out what’s best—whether you want to keep it, sell it, or just learn its story.
Every piece of gold has a story. We’ll help you read yours.
👉 Get a FREE hallmark check at Blackwell Jeweller
👉 Or request a gold valuation online or in-store
“Bring your jewellery in — we’ll decode the hallmarks and explain the real value.”
