Birmingham Assay Office

Though platinum jewellery became the height of fashion during the Art Deco period and historically, has been the most valuable precious metal, the hallmarking of platinum only became law with the passing of the Hallmarking Act 1973 and was put into practice in 1975.

Today, though gold currently reigns supreme, platinum is still prized for its durability and shine.

Get to know all of the marks we can apply to platinum here at Birmingham Assay Office, whether by laser or punch.

COMPULSORY MARKS

🛡 BAO is our sponsor's mark. Pick 2-4 letters that represent you, and an outline shape when you register yours with us.

🥈 950 is the fineness mark, measured in parts per thousand.

This is called millesimal fineness and other standards in the UK are 850, 900 and 999.

⚓️ The Anchor is our assay mark, showing that the item was tested at Birmingham Assay Office.

OPTIONAL MARKS

🅱️ 'B' is the date letter for 2026, denoting the year the piece was assayed.

⚪️ The Orb is the traditional fineness mark used to represent platinum.

⚖️ Common Control Marks are available for use on pieces to be sold in the 22 member states of the International Hallmarking Convention. This means they do not have to be remarked when sold within these countries.

Need to register? Or have a platinum piece you'd like valued? Get in touch!

📞 0121 236 6951
📧 [email protected]
📍 1 Moreton Street, B1 3AX

Fun in the sun this afternoon, celebrating the 240th anniversary of with Jewellery Quarter neighbours and friends 🌞

The jewellery and cufflinks specialist has been led by seven generations of the same family, and continues to operate from the very same JQ workshop it began in.

Happy birthday, Deakin & Francis. Here's to 240 more years! 🍾 🥂

Congratulations to graduates on another incredible showcase of work this year. 🍾

We were lucky enough to get a preview of the pieces on display last week while judging the Prize in Commercial Potential.

caught our eye with her 'Sonder' collection, inspired by celebrating milestones, memories, and the joyful moments in life.

Ruby's collection combines a contemporary look with evergeen jewellery elements. A standout piece is the statement necklace with its XL bolt ring!

An extremely wearable collection, finished to a beautiful standard and underpinned by a strong commercial concept. Congratulations, Ruby!

We also gave commendations for brilliant work by , and .studio 💍 💎 🐸

Well done to team and to all of the graduates. We can't wait to see what you do next!

Verified by assay for over 700 years, the hallmarking of silver is considered the oldest form of consumer protection.

Whether applied by punch or laser, here's your cheat sheet of all the hallmarks we can apply to silver here at Birmingham Assay Office.

COMPULSORY MARKS

🛡 BAO is our sponsor's mark. You'll need to register your own to hallmark with us.

🥈 925 is the fineness mark, measured in parts per thousand.

This is called millesimal fineness and other standards in the UK are 800, 958 (Britannia silver) and 999 (fine silver).

⚓️ The Anchor is Birmingham’s Assay Mark, showing that the item was tested at Birmingham Assay Office.

OPTIONAL MARKS

🅱️ 'B' is the date letter for 2026, denoting the year the piece was assayed.

🦁 The Lion Passant is the traditional fineness mark, in use since 1300 to denote sterling silver. The figure of Britannia is used to denote 'Britannia' or 958 silver.

⚖️ Common Control Marks are available for use on pieces to be sold in the 22 member states of the International Hallmarking Convention. This means they do not have to be remarked when sold within these countries.

Need to register? Or have a piece of silverware you'd like valued? Get in touch!

📞 0121 236 6951
📧 [email protected]
📍 1 Moreton Street, B1 3AX

Since General Production Safety Regulations (GPSR) were introduced in December of 2024, we've seen countless makers and manufacturers confused by what the European legislation really means for them.

GPSR applies to anyone trading consumer products in the EU, and the objective is to protect customers by providing safe goods.

But what does that mean for jewellery?

It means regulated levels of hazardous Nickel, Lead and Cadmium, no physical hazards, concrete traceability, and accurate labelling.

Here at Birmingham Assay Office, our UKAS accredited analytical laboratory is your expert partner for compliance, helping to support your business and protect your customers.

Our team can develop a robust bespoke testing programme, advise you on the essential documentation, and connect you with a required EU Responsible Person (EURP).

Get in touch to understand this complex but essential piece of legislation and open for business in Europe. 🇪🇺

📞 0121 236 6951
📧 [email protected]
📍 1 Moreton Street, B1 3AX

Perfect heatwave colours in this ring from , crafted in platinum and 18ct yellow gold with tanzanite and multi coloured diamonds 💎 ☀️

We applied a Created in the UK mark for Harle Paris alongside the hallmark. This mark is licensed by and celebrates UK-based craft. The scheme is audited and requires written proof of local manufacture.

Want to know about other additional marks available for your work?

Get in touch!

📞 0121 236 6951
📧 [email protected]
📍 1 Moreton Street, B1 3AX

Happy Bank Holiday weekend to all of our UK customers and colleagues 🍦🌡☀️

A reminder that Birmingham Assay Office will be closed on Monday 25th May and will reopen at 8:30am on Yueaday 26th May.

Enjoy the sunshine, all! 🕶