Behind each fine object are clues to the story of the places it came from, and the people who created it. This tale has been told by the silver hallmark for centuries.
Over 700 years ago, England’s King Edward I implemented government-sponsored consumer protection to prevent gold and silver frauds.¹ The statute ensured the exact composition of a precious metal, as guaranteeing purity is impossible by an untrained eye.
The law, which is still in place today, requires that the item pass through an assay office to ensure its purity before being sold to the public. Silver must meet a certain fineness of 92.5% to reach the sterling standard.² Once verified, the object receives the government’s official stamp of approval: the hallmark.
This history of markings reflects a dedication to heritage and craftsmanship that spans generations.