That tiny stamp on the inside of your ring isn't just decoration. It tells you exactly what you're wearing — and it's one of the most important things to look for when buying jewelry.
At Pure Aurum&Co., we think every customer deserves to understand what those marks mean. So let's decode them together.
What is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is an official mark stamped onto a piece of metal jewelry to certify its purity and composition. Think of it as the jewelry world's quality guarantee.
Hallmarks have been used for centuries — originally by assay offices in Europe to protect buyers from fraud. Today, they remain the most reliable indicator of a piece's true metal content.
The Most Common Hallmarks You'll See
Sterling Silver:
- 925 — 92.5% pure silver. The international standard for sterling silver. This is what you'll find on every silver piece in our collection.
- 800 — 80% silver. Common in antique European pieces.
- 999 — Fine silver, 99.9% pure. Rarely used in jewelry as it's too soft.
Gold:
- 375 — 9K gold (37.5% pure). Common in the UK.
- 417 — 10K gold (41.7% pure). Most common in North America.
- 585 — 14K gold (58.5% pure). The most popular choice for fine jewelry.
- 750 — 18K gold (75% pure). Preferred for luxury pieces.
- 999 — 24K gold. Pure gold, rarely used in jewelry.
Gold Vermeil:
- Look for 925 (the sterling silver base) alongside a gold purity mark. This combination confirms true vermeil.
Other Marks You Might See
- Maker's mark — a symbol or initials identifying the manufacturer or designer
- Assay office mark — confirms the piece was tested by an official body (common in UK and European jewelry)
- Date letter — found on antique pieces, indicating the year of hallmarking
Where to Find the Hallmark
- Rings: inside the band
- Necklaces and bracelets: on the clasp or a small tag near the clasp
- Earrings: on the post or butterfly back
What if There's No Hallmark?
Not all jewelry is hallmarked — particularly vintage, handmade, or imported pieces. The absence of a hallmark doesn't always mean poor quality, but it does mean you should ask questions before you buy.
At Pure Aurum&Co., every piece is clearly described with its metal composition. We do the homework so you don't have to.
Read the mark. Know the metal. Buy with confidence.
Have you ever spotted a hallmark on a piece and wondered what it meant? Drop your question in the comments — we'd love to help decode it!