Many people seem unaware that silver, like gold, has different grades and qualities. Just as gold has an easy to read numerical hallmarking system: 9 carat, 18 carat, & 24 carat. The European Union was aware of customer dissatisfaction and confusion with the old system and introduced onto the UK government an easy to read numerical hallmarking system for silver. From January 1st 1999 all British hallmarks had to conform with new EU law. 

From that date any silver item assayed in the UK must have a numerical hallmark confirming the percentage of silver in the article. Traditional marks are still allowed to be used alongside the new marks. As before, every single item is independently assayed in a regional assay office, making UK hallmarks the safest quality mark in the world.

New Numerical Marks from 1st January 1999

1. 999: 99.9% pure, the highest purity

2. 958: 95.8% pure, the old Britannia purity

3. 925: 92.5% pure, the old Sterling purity

4. 800: 80.0% pure, the lowest purity

Many sellers try to confuse buyers by being economical with the truth when describing an article as: Fully Hallmarked!

If the numerical hallmark is not given, safely assume a lower grade silver. If in doubt - ask!

Sterling quality (925) is strictly 3rd grade!

All UK silver articles must be fully hallmarked. One has only to read the numerical mark now to know which quality silver an article is made of.  The EU law has simplified matters........Buyers Beware..

For even more detailed information click on the (me) icon at the top of this page under member information.

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