Hallmarking

Ruth's jewellery conforms to British hallmarking standards

The hallmark found on Ruth's jewellery is struck by The London Assay Office and guarantees the precious metal content of the item you are buying.

A hallmark consists of a series of marks applied to an article of precious metal which means that the article has been independently tested and guarantees that it conforms to all legal standards of purity (fineness).

A UK hallmark consists of several punch marks:

Sponsor's (or maker's or manufacturer's name) mark - Ruth's is RVB

Metal and fineness (purity) mark - A Lion (traditional fineness mark) and 925 (indicating the piece is 92.5% pure silver) for sterling silver

Assay office mark - A leopard's head for the London Assay Office

Date mark - A letter represents the year the item was stamped and changes once a year on January 1st

Articles below a certain weight are exempt from hallmarking
Gold - 1 gram
Silver - 7.78 grams

For more information about hallmarking please visit the London Assay Office and British Hallmarking Council websites.