The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office is where hallmarking began, and we have been testing and hallmarking precious metals for over 700 years. Our unparalleled reputation for excellence in hallmarking and other expert services is second to none.
The 1973 Hallmarking Act outlines the legal requirements for assaying, hallmarking and selling of precious metal items in the UK.
There are three main areas with which a retailer selling precious metal items to UK consumers must comply:
1. Ensuring items that are not exempt carry a recognised hallmark.
2. Ensuring precious metal descriptions are accurate.
3. Ensuring that the mandatory Dealers Notice is displayed for consumers.
To fulfil your legal obligation in point 3, Dealers Notice A provides you with a detailed explanation of the Hallmark and should be displayed in a prominent position when retailing pieces.
This notice can also be displayed on online retail sites as part of a standalone page detailing wider information about product quality. Download a copy of Dealers Notice A for display here.
Dealers Notice A
However, we are aware that Dealers Notice A is not ideal for the online environment, so we have developed Dealers Notice B in two versions, PDF and a short film as an alternative for online sales platforms where a dedicated page on hallmarking is not possible.
Submit your work to us online, or download a paper hallnote to submit with your packet.
Please complete the paper Hallnote in full incl. invoice address, account number and desired sponsor mark. Incomplete forms will delay your packet and might hinder the completion of your work. There is an additional surcharge for submitting using paper hallnotes. Pleas see Pricelist linked above.
Website terms and conditions, and privacy policy. Download
Booklets and Presentations
Make Your Mark booklet
This document accompanies our Make Your Mark event, aimed at those entering the trade. It summarizes The Goldsmiths Company, The Goldsmiths' Centre, and of course The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office. Download
Using Social Media Effectively – for Makers - Presentation slides from Make Your Mark 2017. Download here.
Changing Lives - An overview of the Goldsmiths Company's charitable giving 2017Download