Hallmark and Engraving
Ensuring Authenticity & Personalisation in Every Piece
Every piece is hallmarked to guarantee its metal purity and authenticity in line with UK standards. We also offer complimentary engraving, adding a personal touch to make your jewellery uniquely yours.
Every piece is hallmarked to guarantee its metal purity and authenticity in line with UK standards. We also offer complimentary engraving, adding a personal touch to make your jewellery uniquely 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:Â Identifying which Assay Office tested and marked the item.
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Sponsor’s Mark:Â Identifying the maker or sponsor of the item.
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Metal and Purity Mark:Â 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:Â Representing the year the item was hallmarked.
Importance of Hallmarking
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Assurance of Quality:Â Guarantees your jewellery meets stringent UK standards.
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Consumer Protection:Â Ensures you receive exactly what you pay for.
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Trust and Transparency:Â Reinforces our commitment to authenticity and excellence.
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Legal Compliance:Â Meets UK legal requirements for precious metals.
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Investment Confidence:Â 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
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Our Design Process: How Does It Work?
Your journey begins with a complimentary design consultation, where we take the time to understand your ideas, preferences and inspiration, bringing your vision into focus. From there, we use advanced 3D modelling software to bring your design to life, guiding you through the choice of metals and gemstones and refining every detail in CAD before manufacturing begins. Once you’re happy with the design, our skilled craftsmen carefully bring it to life, followed by meticulous quality checks to ensure every detail is just right. Your finished piece is then securely packaged and delivered to you, wherever you are in the world. To complete the experience, you’ll receive a digital keepsake documenting the journey of your bespoke piece, from the initial design through to the finished creation.
Jewellery Services
As a bespoke company, we offer a complete service that supports every stage of your jewellery journey, providing a seamless and personal experience designed entirely around you. From initial design through to creation and aftercare, every detail is thoughtfully considered to ensure your piece is crafted with complete care.
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 the process, we’ve also gathered a treasure of knowledge to empower our clients with every element of the ring.
How much does it cost?
We are dedicated to providing our clients with the utmost value, with a strong emphasis on transparency in every aspect of the ring. We’ll collaborate to turn your vision into reality while aligning it with your specified budget. If you already have a design in mind, feel free to request a tailored quote to get the process started.
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.