Official
Hallmarking Services
Protect your business and customers with official UK hallmarking services. Legal compliance, quality assurance, and customer confidence – all backed by 300+ years of heritage.
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Express Services Available
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Secure Collection & Delivery
Why Choose Our Hallmarking?
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300+ Years of Heritage & Experience
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UK Government Appointed Authority
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Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
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Expert Technical Support
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking has been part of UK history since the 1300s and remains one of the oldest ways to protect consumers buying precious metals. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are often mixed with other metals to make them stronger and more durable. Because of this, it’s almost impossible to know how pure a metal is just by looking at it, which is where hallmarking helps.
We test your item using an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) machine, which accurately measures its elemental makeup. Once tested, it’s hallmarked to show what precious metal it’s made from and its purity. The hallmark also includes your sponsor’s mark, showing that you submitted it for testing, and our assay mark, the anchor, which guarantees it has been tested and verified by us.
legislation and Compulsory Hallmarks...
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to hallmark precious metal items if they’re being described as Platinum, Gold, Palladium, or Silver. However, hallmarking is only needed if the item exceeds certain weights.
- PLATINUM: OVER 0.5G
- GOLD: OVER 1G
- PALLADIUM: OVER 1G
- SILVER: OVER 7.78G
Hallmarks must be applied by an official Assay Office—manufacturers and importers can’t add them themselves. Items must be sent to one of the four UK Assay Offices or one recognized under the International Convention.
There are three compulsory hallmarks in the UK:
- Sponsor’s Mark
- Metal & Fineness Mark
- Assay Office Mark
These marks guarantee the quality and authenticity of your piece.
How to register for hallmarking
Getting started is easy! Here’s what you need to know:
Registration Fee
- £80 + VAT
- This covers your Sponsor Mark registration with Birmingham Assay Office and is valid for 10 years.
- Renewal is just £40 + VAT.
Please note: Each UK Assay Office is independent — this registration only applies to Birmingham.
Punch or Laser Setup
Once registered, you’ll need to set up your Sponsor Mark for marking:
- Punch or Laser Setup (up to 3 initials): £110 + VAT
- Laser Artwork Setup: £110 + VAT
- Already have a Birmingham punch? Laser setup is reduced to £55 + VAT
Not sure which to choose?
Laser marking is ideal for delicate or detailed items where traditional punching isn’t suitable. Costs are the same as above.
Our Customer Service team is available via email or telephone if you have any questions:
Email: customerservice@theassayoffice.co.uk
Telephone: 0121 820 0773
Monday—Thursday: 8:30am-4:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-3:30pm
How to submit an item
If you are a new customer, please first download and complete the new customer form to provide us with all your details:
You can then download a submission form. Please complete this form, print it and send it along with your items.
Items can be sent via mail or courier or dropped off at our customer service counter.
Birmingham Assay Office
1 Moreton Street
Birmingham
B1 3AX
Please ensure that you have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions.
The hallmarking process
Before we can apply a hallmark to your item, we carry out an assessment to ensure your piece meets the legal standards for precious metal composition. We use X-ray fluorescence technology, a non-invasive method of accurately defining the precious metal content.
Unless you provide specific instructions, we’ll choose the best method to apply the hallmark based on the item’s shape, construction, the quantity to be marked, and the hallmark size. We have a range of techniques available, from hand-operated or hydraulic presses for larger or more complex items to cutting-edge laser marking, which is ideal for intricate, delicate pieces.
At Birmingham Assay Office, we’ve made significant investments in the latest laser technology to ensure precision and accuracy. You can choose from two styles of Laser Mark: an outline or incuse mark, or a relief mark that closely resembles a traditional struck mark.
What are additional hallmarks?
Along with the standard hallmarks, we offer optional extras such as:
- Traditional Fineness Symbols
- The Date Letter
- The Common Control Mark
- Convention Marks (CCM)
As part of the UK’s membership in the International Convention on Hallmarks, our Convention Hallmark is recognised worldwide, making international trade easier.
These marks clearly show the metal type and fineness, giving you peace of mind that your items are expertly handled at the Birmingham Assay Office.
Past examples include:
- The Platinum Jubilee mark for Queen Elizabeth II (2022)
- The Millennium mark (2000)
FAQS
How long does my registration last?
Your registration with Birmingham Assay Office is valid for 10 years.
What are the lead times for express hallmarking?
Need it fast? We offer express services:
- 1 Hour Service – Up to 5 items: £50
- Same Day – Drop off by 9:30am, ready by 3:30pm: +100% surcharge
- Next Day – Drop off by 9:30am, ready by 9:30am next day: +50% surcharge
Please note: Express services are subject to availability
Is there a minimum parcel charge?
Yes – a minimum charge applies for each metal, standard, and marking method.
Contact us for details specific to your order.
Are there any extra charges I should know about?
Additional charges may apply for:
- VAT
- Handling
- Bagging
- Laser marking
We’ll always be clear about costs upfront.
What if my item is rejected?
Even if your item is rejected, charges still apply. This covers the admin involved in processing the rejection report.
Do I need to display a Dealer’s Notice?
Yes – by law, you must display a Dealer’s Notice in-store and online. Failure to do so could result in a £5,000 fine.
faqs
How long does my registration last?
Your registration with Birmingham Assay Office is valid for 10 years.
What are the lead times for express hallmarking?
Need it fast? We offer express services:
- 1 Hour Service – Up to 5 items: £50
- Same Day – Drop off by 9:30am, ready by 3:30pm: +100% surcharge
- Next Day – Drop off by 9:30am, ready by 9:30am next day: +50% surcharge
Please note: Express services are subject to availability
Is there a minimum parcel charge?
Yes – a minimum charge applies for each metal, standard, and marking method.
Contact us for details specific to your order.
Are there any extra charges I should know about?
Additional charges may apply for:
- VAT
- Handling
- Bagging
- Laser marking
We’ll always be clear about costs upfront.
What if my item is rejected?
Even if your item is rejected, charges still apply. This covers the admin involved in processing the rejection report.
Do I need to display a Dealer’s Notice?
Yes – by law, you must display a Dealer’s Notice in-store and online. Failure to do so could result in a £5,000 fine.
The Birmingham Assay Office team provide excellent customer service and are a joy to partner.
They are efficient, helpful, and always friendly. Their customer-first approach has in turn enabled us to reliably help our customers sell. A great organisation you can rely on!
