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What a hallmark is on jewelry and silver
A hallmark is an official or maker’s stamp that claims fineness and origin. It is a clue. It is not a substitute for a test. Fakes have stamps too.
A hallmark is a stamp that says who made a piece and what fineness it is supposed to be.
Britain built a formal assay-office system (lion passant and the rest). The US is looser: you often see “14K,” “925,” or a maker’s mark, without a government office behind every punch.
What a shop does with a stamp
Looks at it. Then tests anyway. Stamps are copied. Solder is a different karat. A 14K chain can have a steel clasp. Karat vs fineness. Sterling vs plate. European and Mexican silver.
Common marks
- 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K
- 375, 585, 750, 916, 999 (parts per thousand)
- 925 / STERLING
- 800, 835 (common older European silver)
- GF, HGE, EPNS — not solid. Filled vs plated
No mark
No mark means “test it.” It does not mean fake. Old handmade pieces are often unmarked. It also does not mean gold.
Weigh and test in front of you.
Continue in the coin and money library. Related visitor guides: for shop visitors.