Hallmark and Engraving
Ensuring Authenticity & Personalisation in Every Piece
As bespoke jewellers, we take pride in ensuring that every piece we create is fully authenticated and crafted to the highest standards. Hallmarking is a vital part of our commitment to quality, offering you a certified guarantee of the metal’s purity and authenticity in accordance with UK regulations.
To make your jewellery even more special, we also provide complimentary engraving, allowing you to personalise your piece with meaningful messages or designs. While hallmarking assures the quality and integrity of your jewellery, engraving adds a distinctive, personal touch—transforming each creation into something truly unique and deeply yours.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is an official process carried out by one of the UK’s four Assay Offices located in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh. Each piece of jewellery undergoes rigorous testing to verify its metal content. Once verified, the jewellery is stamped with a series of marks that include:
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Assay Office Mark: Identifying which Assay Office tested and marked the item.
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Sponsor’s Mark: Identifying the maker or sponsor of the item.
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Metal and Purity Mark: Indicating the type of metal and its fineness (e.g., 925 for sterling silver, 750 for 18-carat gold).
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Date Letter: Representing the year the item was hallmarked.
Importance of Hallmarking
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Assurance of Quality: Guarantees your jewellery meets stringent UK standards.
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Consumer Protection: Ensures you receive exactly what you pay for.
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Trust and Transparency: Reinforces our commitment to authenticity and excellence.
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Legal Compliance: Meets UK legal requirements for precious metals.
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Investment Confidence: Certifies the enduring value and purity of your jewellery.
Understanding Hallmark Symbols
Hallmarking involves a series of symbols that provide important information about a piece of jewellery or a precious metal item;
Sponsor’s Mark
The Sponsor’s Mark, or Maker’s Mark, is a unique identifier for the individual or company responsible for the piece. For Durham Rose, this mark typically features our initials. A sponsor mark ensures traceability, allowing you to know the origin of your bespoke jewellery.
Traditional Fineness Symbol
The Traditional Fineness Symbol indicates the purity of precious metals using classic units. For example, the orb symbol is used for Platinum. This mark offers a traditional and immediate visual confirmation of the metal’s quality, reflecting our commitment to traditional standards of excellence.
Metal and Fineness Purity Mark
This mark specifies the metal’s purity in parts per thousand, confirming its fineness. For instance, “950” denotes platinum, while “750” signifies 18 carat gold. This mark assures the metal’s quality and ensures that your Durham Rose jewellery meets high standards of craftsmanship.
Assay Office Mark
The Assay Office Mark reveals where the item was tested and hallmarked. If your jewellery piece is hallmarked in London, this is represented by the Leopard’s Head. This mark confirms that your jewellery has undergone rigorous testing and verification by a reputable assay office, adding a vital layer of credibility and authenticity.
Date Mark
The Date Mark is a letter that signifies the year in which the item was hallmarked. Each letter, presented in a distinctive font and shield shape, changes annually to provide a timestamp for the hallmarking process. For example, “Z” represents the year 2024, “A” represents 2025, and this sequence continues in alphabetical order before repeating.
Complimentary Engraving
Your Sentiments, Forever Inscribed
Custom Text
Meaningful Symbols
Types of Engraving
Laser Engraving
Black Enamel Fill
For a bold and distinctive look, consider Black Enamel Engraving. This technique enhances bespoke jewellery by filling engraved designs or text with rich black enamel. Especially suited for larger engravings or bold fonts, the contrast between the dark enamel and the metal creates a striking, eye-catching effect. It’s the perfect choice for making your design details stand out beautifully.
Font & Style Range
Need more information?
Tony Rodd
Position
From start to finish, Durham Rose and our designer Melissa were fantastic. Melissa was really helpful, explaining the process, giving me an idea of budget and discussing all options with me. The design process was intuitive and the input from Melissa ensured the ring came out as I had envisaged.
Carl Fryer
Position
Durham Rose made everything about this nerve racking process a delight. The one to one nature of their ring design and build is amazing and well worth the money. Melissa in particular was super patient after changing my mind more than once so couldn't thank them enough. Couldn't recommend them more.
Amelia Parker
Position
Me and my partner got our engagement ring designed by Melissa after my parents also having 4 rings designed by durham rose and I cannot recommend them enough, they have been absolutely perfect and made the process so easy, stress free and exciting! Communication was amazing and I was updated through each and every little step.
Adam Newman
Position
Durham Rose was by far the best company I contacted when starting the process of making a custom ring. The initial stages were thorough and efficient, and the video call at the start of the process was brilliant. Where other companies would draw sketches which is a good start, it wasn’t as helpful or visually accurate...
Jack Butler
Position
Phenomenal experience from start to finish! I was fortunate enough to work with Mel at Durham Rose to build a bespoke Engagement ring for wonderful girlfriend (and soon fiancé to be!!) Mel was so lovely, so knowledgeable, patient and helpful and went out of her way to make sure the ring was perfect...
Our Design Process: How does it work ?
Our journey starts off with a complimentary design consultation, available either in person or online. Experience the features of our specialised 3D modelling software as it breathes life into your vision. We’re your trusted companions on this jewellery quest, guiding you through the intricate world of the four C’s and helping you choose the ideal stone and design that aligns seamlessly with your requirements and preferred price points. After this creative consultation, we provide photorealistic images of your design, ensuring that every detail meets your vision before we venture into the next exciting phase.
Jewellery Services
As a bespoke jewellery brand, Durham Rose is dedicated to offering a comprehensive suite of services that cater to all your jewellery needs. We strive to provide an unparalleled, unique experience by ensuring you have access to all necessary services under one roof. Our commitment to excellence makes us your trusted one-stop shop for all jewellery-related services, ensuring that every aspect of your journey with Durham Rose is exceptional and memorable.
Knowledge Hub
At Durham Rose, we prioritise educating our clients to ensure they're well-prepared for their bespoke jewellery journey. While our expert designers are available for questions during design sessions and process, we've also gathered a treasure of knowledge to empower our clients with every element of the ring.
How much does it cost?
Explore our transparent pricing approach for your bespoke piece, ensuring clarity and informed decision-making throughout your jewellery creation journey. Discover how we break down costs for each element and what starting costs to anticipate.
Explore Our Blog Posts
Curious about the world of bespoke jewellery? We've got you covered! Unravel the secrets, discover the process, and find answers to all your burning questions. From crafting the perfect engagement ring to decoding gemstone choices, our blogs are your go-to guide for all things bespoke.
How long does the engraving process take?
The lead time for engraving depends on your design and method. For simple text with laser engraving, the typical production time is 3-4 weeks. However, intricate designs or hand engraving may require a different timeline. Our designers are here to guide you through the process and ensure your bespoke jewellery meets your expectations.
Can I see a preview of the engraving before it’s done?
Once you’ve finalised your order and design, we’re pleased to provide a preview render of how your engraving will appear. This allows you to see exactly how the final piece will look including your engraving before we proceed with manufacturing.