Hallmarking & Certifications
Last updated: 09/11/2025 • UK hallmark law, what stamps you’ll see, and diamond certification options
Every precious-metal Sovushka piece that requires it is tested and hallmarked in the UK. We also provide diamond/gemstone documentation on request. Below is a clear guide to hallmarks and certificates so you know exactly what you’re buying.
Contents
1) What is a hallmark?
A hallmark is an independent legal guarantee of metal purity, applied by a UK Assay Office after testing. It isn’t our logo — it’s third-party proof of alloy fineness.
We typically use the London Assay Office. On slim pieces we use micro-marks to keep the look clean while remaining compliant.
2) When is hallmarking required?
| Metal | Exemption threshold (piece weight) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | below 1.0 g | Items under 1 g are exempt; above must be hallmarked. |
| Silver | below 7.78 g | Under 7.78 g exempt. |
| Platinum | below 0.5 g | Under 0.5 g exempt. |
| Palladium | below 1.0 g | Under 1 g exempt. |
3) Reading the marks
- Maker’s / Sponsor’s mark: our registered initials mark.
- Fineness mark: metal purity, e.g. 375 (9k), 585 (14k), 750 (18k), 950 (platinum).
- Assay Office mark: symbol for London, Birmingham, Sheffield or Edinburgh.
- Date letter (optional): year of hallmarking; used when appropriate.
On delicate pieces we may laser micro-hallmark inside the shank or under a surface for comfort and aesthetics.
4) Diamond & gemstone certifications
- Diamonds: GIA or IGI grading reports available (where applicable). Reports state the 4Cs and proportions; many stones are laser-inscribed.
- Lab-grown diamonds: certified and laser-inscribed where available.
- Gemstones: for select rubies, sapphires and emeralds we can arrange independent reports or provide supplier origin notes.
- Appraisals/valuations: available on request for insurance after completion.
5) What you’ll receive
- Hallmarked jewellery with discreet marks positioned for comfort and a clean look.
- Care card with metal/finish notes and our after-care contact.
- Certificates if certificated stones are selected (digital copies shared; physical documents included when supplied).
6) FAQs
Can you hallmark my heirloom piece after repair?
Repairs don’t usually require re-hallmarking. If substantial metal is added, we’ll advise options.
Will hallmarks be visible when worn?
We place them discreetly inside the shank/under surfaces where possible. Micro-marks available for fine pieces.
Do you hallmark items under the legal threshold?
Often yes if there’s space for a clean result; otherwise we provide maker’s mark and documentation.
7) Related pages
