Reading hallmarks
What the small marks inside a band or by a clasp tell you, and what they do not.
The three marks
Struck side by side inside a band, on the bar of a brooch, or on the tag by a clasp. Use a loupe or a phone camera on zoom.
Maker's mark
Who made it. LY is Larkin Yard (sample); every maker registers their own.
Fineness
750 parts in 1000 are pure gold: 18ct. The clipped corners say gold.
Date letter
The year it was hallmarked. The letter and its shield change every year (sample letter).
Metals we work in
The fineness number is how many parts in 1000 are pure metal. The rest is a mix of other metals that makes it hard enough to wear.
9ct gold
375 in 1000
Hard-wearing and paler in colour. Where most people start with gold.
18ct gold
750 in 1000
A deeper yellow, softer and heavier. The usual choice for wedding bands.
Sterling silver
925 in 1000
Bright white. It darkens in the air and polishes back with a cloth.
Platinum
950 in 1000
Heavy and white for life; it never needs re-plating, only a polish.
Pure gold and pure silver are 999. Our gold is recycled where we can buy it (sample).
Other numbers you may see
Older and imported pieces use other finenesses. The number still means parts in 1000.
585
14ct gold
916
22ct gold
999
Fine silver or fine gold
800
Continental silver, common on older pieces
GP, RGP, vermeil
Plated or coated: not solid gold
Not sure what yours says? Bring it in and we read it with you, free.
Is it in your size?
Tell us the piece and your ring size, or bring in a ring that fits. We reply within a working day and can hold a piece for you for 48 hours.