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The Pennyweight

Glossary · Care & Sizing

Hallmark

A hallmark is a stamp on a metal item recording its fineness and, in some countries, the assay office and the maker. UK hallmarking is compulsory above set weight thresholds. The United States does not require it and relies instead on a maker’s quality stamp such as 14K or 925. Any stamp is a claim by whoever struck it; only an official hallmark reflects independent testing.

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