Sterling Silver Hallmarking

Our jewellery is made with quality sterling silver. To quote the Collins Dictionary definition of Sterling Silver, "sterling silver is an alloy containing not less than 92.5 percent of silver, the remainder usually being copper." Silver is a soft metal, so if it was used in its pure form it would be too malleable to be handled properly and all bendy, so copper is added to increase its strength and durability.

Hallmarking

As per British hallmarking law, we have all items in silver over 7.8g hallmarked at a UK Assay Office. The UK Government's guidance on hallmarking states that: "The purpose of hallmarking is to protect buyers of precious metal items against fraud and consists of 3 compulsory marks which show that the item has been independently tested and verified as matching its description, and conforming to all legal standards of purity or fineness of the metal".

What are the 3 Compulsory Marks from the Assay Office?

1. A sponsor’s or maker’s mark

This is the registered mark of the company or person that sends the item for hallmarking. Silver Bubble's hallmark is SB framed in two circles.

2. A metal and purity (fineness) mark

This mark shows the precious metal content in the item, sterling silver being .925.

3. An Assay Office mark

Each of the four Assay Offices in the UK have their own mark. The Birmingham Assay Office, where we have our silver hallmarked, has an anchor as its mark. We love an anchor, so are rather pleased with this!