Hallmarking for silver jewellery was introduced as a way of proving that the jewellery contained the correct percentage of silver. Pure silver is quite soft and it is usual to add a percentage of copper to strengthen it. The normal ratio is 92.5% silver to 7.5% copper hence sterling silver is often referred to as 925 silver. As it is impossible to tell without analysis what the true content is hallmarking was introduced as a mark of quality and assurance.
Jewellery is hallmarked in the UK if the silver content of the jewellery exceeds 7.78 grams, if it is below this figure the piece is exempt. The relevant weight for gold is 1 gram and platinum 0.5 grams. The assay office is responsible for hallmarking, the pieces to be hallmarked are sent via post or courier or can be taken by hand to the office. Once there the item is tested and hallmarked if the precious metal is of the desired standard and percentage.
There are various types of hallmark; a maker’s mark, assay office stamp, standard hallmark and year of manufacture. In 1988 the regulations were changed to bring the UK into line with the rest of Europe. The old hallmarks were made non compulsory and standards were to be expressed as parts per thousand. So the hallmark for pure silver jewellery is 999, sterling 925 and 18ct gold 750 etc.
Hallmarking & Silver Jewellery
Spiral Earrings
Silver Spiral Earrings With Pink Crystal
Every woman at one time or another has lost a pair of earrings. the problem is that earring backs can be caught when putting on and taking off clothing and are easily pulled from the earring. Traditional ear wires can also slip from the ear if they are caught and there is nothing more frustrating than spending time searching for one of your favourite items of jewellery.
A handy solution to the problem of lost earrings can be spiral wire earrings; the earrings are worn by winding the spiraled part of the wire through the ear making them easy to wear but almost impossible to lose. The design allows a variety of different shaped crystals, beads and stones to be used , add almost any colour and the possibilities are limitless.
The Silver Jewellery Workshop has just added sterling silver spiral wire earrings to our collection, a collection that will continue to expand and grow in the coming year. To view our new spiral earrings just click on our store links found on the right hand bar.