Many people seem unaware that silver, like gold has different grades and qualities.

Gold has an easy to read numerical hallmarking system: 9, 14, 18 and 22 carat.

Silver now has a numerical hallmarking system as well: 800, 925, 958 and 999. 

The European Union was well aware of customer dissatisfaction and confusion with the old system and forcibly introduced onto the UK government an easy to read numerical hallmarking system for silver.

From January 1st 1999 all British hallmarks must conform with the new EU law. 

Since 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 numerical 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 still 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 silver (925) is 3rd out of the 4 grades available.

All UK silver articles must be fully hallmarked.

One has only to read the numerical mark now to see which quality of silver an article is made of. 

The EU law has simplified matters: Buyers Beware!

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

PLEASE CLICK YES BELOW IF YOU READ THIS, MANY THANKS!