What is Sterling Silver

English Hallmarked sterling silver is guaranteed to be composed of a minimum of 92.5% pure silver. Pure silver is inherently very soft. To increase its hardness and durability it is alloyed with other metals, most commonly, with copper, comprising the remaining 7.5%. Copper has another distinct advantage in that it does not discolour the silver.

What is Hallmarking

Consumer Protection
In medieval times craftsmen of the same trade formed groups or associations to support each other and their trade. These groups became known as Guilds. Some began life in the 14th century and were recognized by royal charter.

The goldsmiths and silversmiths of London formed a Guild which was recognized by the royal charter of Edward III in 1327. The Goldsmiths Company as it is now known has operated continuously under royal charter from this time and is one of the 12 great livery companies of the City of London.

Since 1300 the Goldsmiths� Company has been responsible for testing and hallmarking gold and silver articles. The purpose of this testing is to ensure that the goods are what they claim to be. In essence assaying and hallmarking is one of the earliest forms of consumer protection. This statutory function is still carried out today by operating the London Assay office. This still operates out of the Goldsmiths� Hall (hence the name hallmarking) as it has since the 1300�s.

In 1773 an act of parliament established both the Birmingham and Sheffield assays offices. Until this time silversmiths from these regions had been required to send their items to London for hallmarking.

The function of the assays offices is to test the purity of each individual item and if up to standard the applicable hallmarks are applied. There are a number of hallmarks that can be struck on any item. The Goldsmiths� company is also concerned with enhancing the gold and silversmiths trade and protecting the quality of hallmarked items. Over the centuries the assay methods employed by the assays office have changed but the purpose remains the same as it was in 1300, protecting the consumer from inferior product and protecting the silversmiths from the unfair competition of misrepresented products.

What each Hallmark means.

Each item of English hallmarked sterling silver must have at least three marks and can have up to five.

Compulsory symbols

• Makers or sponsors mark � Consisting of at least 2 letters it is the registered mark of the maker or sponsor. It denotes who the piece is being made by or for.
• The fineness number � denotes millesimal fineness which indicates the minimum precious metal content. In the case of sterling silver it is the number 925 in an oval mark.
• The assays office mark � The mark of the assays office where the piece was tested and struck. A leopards head for London. Birmingham is signified by an anchor and the symbol of Sheffield is a rose.

Voluntary symbols

• Date letter � signifies the year in which the piece was hallmarked. 2006 is represented by the letter g.
• Fineness symbol � a traditional symbol denoting one of the older precious metal standards. Sterling silver is denoted by a passant lion as seen in our logo.