Punch Production
What Do I Need to Know?
Marking by Punch
Our punch room is the creative hub where we produce a wide variety of punches for both our hallmarking department and external customers. For internal use, we create sponsors’ marks, logos, and other hallmarking punches tailored to specific requirements. External customers can order individual logo punches or multiple punches to suit their needs. We are also proud to supply hallmarking punches to other Assay Offices.
We have been hallmarking with punches—either by hand or using presses—for hundreds of years. Many makers still prefer the traditional look and feel of punch marking. This method is best suited to robust items or items that have been cast. Punch marks are not recommended for hollow pieces due to the depth of the impression and the force required to apply them. However, our tool room can produce punches as small as 0.38 mm, making them suitable for very small items such as links or clasps. Hollow pieces, by contrast, require laser marking.
If you are registering for the first time, you will need to complete a New Customer Form and a Sponsor Registration Form. These allow you to specify the outline and the 2–4 initials that will represent your name or business in your sponsor’s mark.
Registration is valid for 10 years and costs £80 + VAT. Producing a punch costs £110 + VAT and typically takes 10 working days. A laser file also costs £110 + VAT and takes around 7 working days to generate. If you choose to order both a punch and a laser file at the time of registration, the laser file is offered at a reduced rate of £55 + VAT.
Personalise your punch production
Welcome to Punch Production at Birmingham Assay Office. Our punch room is the creative hub that supplies a wide variety of punches to both our hallmarking department and external customers.
For our internal operations, we craft sponsors’ marks, logos, and other hallmarking punches tailored to specific requirements. External customers can order individual logo punches or multiple punches to suit their unique needs. We are proud to supply hallmarking punches to other Assay Offices, too.
Creating a punch from scratch is a true craft at Birmingham Assay Office. We start with a line drawing and transform it into a three-dimensional model, forming the foundation for the finished punch.
Our engraving process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your specific requirements for the punch blank. Whether you need a sponsor’s mark, company logo, or hallmark, we work closely with you to ensure the final result reflects your vision with precision.
Equipped with pantograph engraving and state-of-the-art laser technology, our workshop delivers a fast and efficient punch manufacturing service. We can produce both flat and curved punches on traditional straight or swan neck shanks.
Simply provide the necessary artwork, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Our punches are meticulously cut by laser and finished by hand, ensuring an exceptional standard of craftsmanship. These punches are versatile, suitable for both hand marking and marking by press. We offer a range of sizes starting from 0.38mm, with a nominal upper limit of 6mm.
Choose Birmingham Assay Office for punch production that combines precision, creativity, and a commitment to delivering punches that make your mark truly special.
FAQs
Will my item be bruised when struck by hand hallmarking?
If choosing a punch, please remember that the metal will displace when a hallmark struck by hand is applied, therefore there will be bruising on the other side of the struck mark and your pieces will need finishing up. If your work is unfinished, a struck mark is recommended as the result is deep and can therefore withstand plating and general finishing. It is not recommended for very thin metals, delicate or hollow items.
Can my hollow item by hallmarked by punch?
It is not recommended for very thin metals, delicate or hollow items.
Can my three different marks on my hallmark be different sizes?
When ordering punches, whether cranked (for rings only) or straight (for all other items), please bear in mind that all three compulsory marks will be of the same size and your items will need enough area to be able to apply the marks. For cranked punches, consider size K (1.00mm) for larger, thicker and chunkier rings, size L (0.75mm) for standard items and size M (0.50mm), for fine, thin, delicate or wire work rings. For 22ct and 24ct items we would advise to have an N size (0.38mm) or M size (0.50mm) for thicker items. This is due to these finenesses being softer and more delicate, which means they cannot withhold a larger punch size.
Is a hand punch hallmark larger than laser?
Please remember that when items are punch marked the hallmark will appear very slightly larger. When submitting smaller jewellery items, including earrings, jump rings on chains or small pendants, we would recommend choosing size M or L.