The Real Gem Guide to Hallmarking
Authenticity You Can Trust
Every piece of jewellery from The Real Gem is crafted to the highest standards of quality and integrity.
To guarantee this, all our gold and platinum pieces are independently hallmarked in accordance with UK law, your assurance of purity, authenticity, and craftsmanship.
What Is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is an official mark stamped onto precious metal jewellery to certify the metal’s purity and authenticity.
It’s a legal requirement in the UK for all gold, silver, platinum, and palladium items above a certain weight.
Each hallmark is applied by an independent Assay Office confirming that your piece meets or exceeds the fineness standards set by the Hallmarking Act of 1973.
💡 A hallmark is more than a stamp it’s your guarantee of real, responsibly made fine jewellery.
What a Hallmark Includes
Every genuine hallmark contains three or more symbols, each representing something different:
| Mark | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor’s Mark | Identifies the maker or retailer (The Real Gem’s unique mark) | TRG |
| Metal Fineness Mark | Confirms the metal and its purity | e.g. 750 for 18ct gold or 950 for platinum |
| Assay Office Mark | Shows which UK Assay Office tested and approved it | e.g. London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh |
| Optional Date Letter | Indicates the year of hallmarking | e.g. Y for 2024 |
Each hallmark tells the story of your jewellery’s origin and quality.
UK Assay Offices
All hallmarking in the UK is performed by one of four authorised Assay Offices:
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London – The Leopard’s Head
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Birmingham – The Anchor
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Sheffield – The Yorkshire Rose
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Edinburgh – The Castle
Your Real Gem piece will carry one of these symbols, alongside our unique sponsor’s mark, confirming that it has been tested and approved by independent experts.
Why Hallmarking Matters
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Authenticity: Guarantees your jewellery is made from real precious metal.
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Quality: Confirms the exact metal purity 9k, 14k, 18k, or platinum 950.
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Transparency: Gives you complete confidence in what you’re purchasing.
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Protection: It’s your legal safeguard as a customer.
Common Hallmarks You’ll See
| Metal | Purity Mark | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 9k Gold | 375 | Everyday fine jewellery |
| 14k Gold | 585 | Mid-range fine jewellery |
| 18k Gold | 750 | Luxury fine jewellery |
| Platinum | 950 | Premium & engagement pieces |
All The Real Gem jewellery is crafted in 18ct gold or platinum as standard, ensuring enduring beauty and long-term value.
How to Find Your Hallmark
Look for tiny stamped symbols inside the band of a ring, on the reverse of a pendant, or near the clasp of a bracelet or chain.
If you’re ever unsure, our team will be happy to identify and explain your hallmark for you.
💬 Contact Us for assistance or to learn more about your jewellery’s markings.
The Real Gem Promise
We’re proud to uphold the highest standards in British fine jewellery. Every piece we sell is fully hallmarked, ethically sourced, and expertly crafted a promise of authenticity, transparency, and craftsmanship.