Hallmarking
You might be thinking, what exactly is a hallmark? A hallmark is a set of official marks stamped onto an item of precious metal, like gold, silver, or platinum, to certify its authenticity and quality. This important process is carried out by one of the UK’s four Assay Offices, including Birmingham Assay Office, which is government-approved to test and hallmark precious metals. Why is this important?
Precious metals are often mixed with other metals to create durable alloys, and it’s impossible to judge the purity just by looking or feeling. Hallmarking ensures the metal content matches what’s advertised, giving buyers confidence and protecting them from fraud. If you’re selling, importing, or crafting precious metal items, it’s your legal responsibility to ensure they are hallmarked. For consumers, understanding hallmarks helps you make informed purchases and guarantees the quality of what you’re buying.
Our services
Valuations carried out with care for -
- Peace of mind (Insurance)
- In Case of Loss, Theft, or Damage
- Resale or Probate
- For Family Division
- Private Sales
- Pre-Sale Report
The Importance of Choosing an Accredited Valuer such as Birmingham Assay Office.
Choosing an accredited valuer, like Birmingham Assay Office, is about more than just receiving a valuation—it’s about peace of mind. Our valuers are not only experienced professionals with years of expertise in the jewellery industry, but they are also accredited by trusted organisations like the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV). This means we adhere to the highest standards, offering you the assurance that every piece is valued with care, precision, and integrity.
Our reputation has been built on the trust and confidence of countless customers who rely on us to handle their most precious items. You can rest easy knowing that your valuables are in safe, skilled hands, and the service you receive will reflect our dedication to quality and professionalism at every step.
Your jewellery is more than just a collection of items; it holds memories and value. Valuing these treasures is essential for several heartfelt reasons:
Your jewellery holds not only financial value but deep personal meaning. That’s why it’s so important to ensure it’s properly protected.
When you bring your jewellery to Birmingham Assay Office, our expert valuers take great care to assess each piece with the attention it deserves.
How to submit a item
If you are a new customer, please first download and complete the new customer form to provide us with all your details:
DOWNLOAD NEW CUSTOMER FORM HERE
All items must be submitted with a form, failure to do so may result in delays.
Items can be sent via mail or courier or dropped off at our customer services counter.
Please ensure that you have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions.
If you are an existing customer or private customer, please complete the submission form and send it along with your items.
All items must be submitted with a form, failure to do so may result in delays.
Items can be sent via mail or courier or dropped off at our customer services counter.
Please ensure that you have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions.
Charges for the services we provide can be found on our price list. If you are a trade customer please contact us and we can provide a trade price list along with further details on our turnaround times.
We do offer three services levels, standard (ten working days), five working days and same day. Items submitted on a standard service can be posted or dropped in to us during our opening hours without any pre-booking necessary.
Our two express services (five days and same day) are run on an appointment basis, please contact us to discuss this further.
Please note that our express services are subject to availability and may be not be possible on complex items.
The Birmingham Assay Office team provide excellent customer service and are a joy to partner.
They are efficient, helpful, and always friendly. Their customer-first approach has in turn enabled us to reliably help our customers sell. A great organisation you can rely on!
How to register for hallmarking
Registering for hallmarking is a straightforward process. The standard fee to register a Sponsor Mark for hallmarking, as set by the British Hallmarking Council, is £80 + VAT, and this registration is valid for ten years. Re-registration is available at £40 + VAT. Please note that your registration is specifically with Birmingham Assay Office, and each UK Assay Office operates independently.
Following registration, you’ll need to choose between creating a punch or a laser file for your uniquely registered sponsor mark. The fee for a punch or laser file with up to three initials is £110 + VAT. The setup for laser artwork for your sponsor mark costs £110 + VAT. If you already possess a Birmingham Assay Office physical punch, the laser setup cost is reduced to £55 + VAT. Please feel free to contact us if you’re interested in setting up for laser marking.
Additionally, a Laser Sponsor Mark is available for items too delicate or complex for traditional punch marking, with the same associated costs for setup.
FAQ
A registration at Birmingham Assay Office lasts 10 years.
1 Hour – Up to 5 items £50
Same Day – Items received by 9:30am will be ready for collection by 3:30pm (100% surcharge)
Next Day – Items received by 9:30am will be ready for collection by 9:30am the following day. (50% surcharge)
Express services subject to availability.
The minimum parcel charge applies per each metal / standard / marking method.
Additional charges at Birmingham Assay Office include, VAT, Handling, Bagging and Laser.
Yes processing the reject report requires additional administration therefore the charges still apply.
Yes! You may face a fine of £5000 if you do not display a Dealers Notice.
