Hallmark

A hallmark, in relation to precious metals used in the manufacture of jewellery, is a tiny mark made by a State-approved punch on every piece of jewellery which purports to contain gold, silver or platinum. The purpose of hallmarking is to indicate that a piece of jewellery conforms to particular standards of purity or fineness. In Ireland, the standard is defined by relevant state regulations which can be viewed by clicking on the links below.

Acts Oireachtas:

Hallmarking Act, 1981 - referred in the Regulations documents

Irish Statute Book Database:

Hallmarking (Approved Hallmarks) Regulations, 2001

Hallmarking (Irish Standards of Fineness) Regulations, 2001

European Communities (Hallmarking of Articles Imported from Other Member States) Regulations, 2001

In Ireland, the only authority that can legally hallmark jewellery (and other items containing specified precious metals) is the Irish Assay Office located in Dublin Castle. All products sold by Jewellery Shop Online which contain precious metals have been checked by the Irish Assay Office in order to ensure they display an approved hallmark.

In addition, Jewellery Shop Online is registered with the Irish Assay Office as a jewellery trader in the name of the company owner, Susan Salkeld. Jewellery items containing precious metals are formally marked for traceability purposes by an EU-approved “Sponsor's Mark” which relates to this unique registration number: