GoldQuestions
UK gold hallmarks complete guide
Hallmarks can help identify precious metal items, especially jewellery, but they need to be read in context and should not be treated as a complete authenticity guarantee.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-30
What a hallmark can tell you
A UK hallmark may show the sponsor or maker mark, assay office, metal fineness, and sometimes a date letter or commemorative mark. The exact marks depend on item type and the rules in force when it was marked.
Common hallmark elements
The table gives a practical reading order for non-specialists.
| Mark | What it suggests | Practical limit |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor or maker mark | Who submitted or made the item. | It does not prove current ownership or value. |
| Assay office mark | Where the item was tested and marked. | Older marks and imported items need careful lookup. |
| Fineness mark | Metal purity, such as 375, 750, 916, or 999. | Wear, alteration, or fake marks can mislead. |
| Date letter | Sometimes indicates marking year. | Date-letter systems vary by office and period. |
Bullion and jewellery differ
Bullion bars and coins are often identified through mint marks, packaging, dimensions, certificates, and serial numbers rather than jewellery-style hallmark reading alone.
When to get help
If the item is valuable, unfamiliar, damaged, or being sold, a professional assay, dealer check, or specialist appraisal may be more reliable than a visual hallmark read.
Educational disclaimer
This guide is educational only and is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or personal advice.
FAQs
Does every gold item need a UK hallmark?
No. Exemptions, age, origin, and item type all matter.
Can hallmarks be faked?
Yes. A hallmark is useful evidence, but it is not a complete guarantee by itself.
Is 750 gold the same as 18 carat?
750 usually indicates 750 parts gold per 1,000, commonly described as 18 carat.