How to tell if gold jewellery is hallmarked
When you’re looking to sell your gold online or get an accurate valuation, knowing whether your jewellery is hallmarked is one of the most important first steps. Hallmarks confirm purity, authenticity, and sometimes even the age of a piece, giving you (and the buyer) confidence in what you’re selling.
This guide will show you exactly how to find hallmarks on gold, what different marks mean, and how to go about identifying gold jewellery marks on your own items.
We’ll cover:
- What a hallmark is and why it matters
- Where to look for hallmarks on different jewellery types
- Gold hallmarks explained (carat numbers, assay office stamps, dates)
- What to do if you can’t find a hallmark
- Expert insights from Vintage Cash Cow specialists
What is a hallmark?
A hallmark is an official mark stamped into jewellery or coins that confirms the item’s purity and authenticity. In the UK, hallmarks are applied by independent assay offices and are a legal requirement for most gold items over 1g.
Without them, it’s difficult to know whether a piece is genuine or simply gold-plated. That’s why being able to identify gold jewellery marks is so important when you’re thinking of selling.
Expert Insight
“Beyond a hallmark, look for evidence of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail,” our jewellery specialist advises. “Hand-crafted elements and settings with precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or sapphires can signal high-quality, valuable pieces — even if the hallmark isn’t immediately visible.”
Where to look for hallmarks
Hallmarks are usually discreet, often tucked into less visible areas of jewellery. Here’s where you can typically spot them:
Rings – Inside the band
Necklaces and chains – On the clasp or near the fastening
Earrings – On the stem or back plate
Bracelets – On the clasp or inner surface
If you’re trying to figure out how to find hallmarks on gold, use a magnifying glass and good lighting — some stamps are incredibly small.
Gold Hallmarks explained
Hallmarks usually consist of three main elements:
The fineness number (purity)
Numbers like 375, 585, and 750 indicate the percentage of pure gold in the item:
375 = 9 carat (37.5% pure)
585 = 14 carat (58.5% pure)
750 = 18 carat (75% pure)
916 = 22 carat (91.6% pure)
999 = 24 carat (99.9% pure)
This figure tells you the carat (and therefore, the potential value) of your jewellery.
The assay office mark
This indicates which UK assay office tested and certified the item (London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Edinburgh).
Date and maker’s mark
Some hallmarks include a date letter or a unique maker’s stamp, which can add collectable value.
What if you can’t find a hallmark?
Sometimes, hallmarks wear down with age or are missing altogether. If you can’t see one, it doesn’t necessarily mean the item isn’t gold, but it does mean expert testing is needed.
Expert Insight
“Don’t panic if you can’t find a hallmark,” our expert reassures. “Not all gold is hallmarked, especially antique pieces. A trained jeweller or gold expert can often identify real gold by sight and touch, and there are professional tests available to confirm authenticity.”
Why hallmarks matter when selling gold
When you’re preparing to sell gold online, hallmarks speed up the valuation process and reassure both you and the buyer. They’re especially important if you’re selling higher-value items, such as sovereign coins, antique rings, or heavy chains.
Knowing what gold hallmarks mean helps you:
- Understand the true purity of your gold
- Spot valuable items in your collection
- Manage expectations when getting a quote
The Vintage Cash Cow process
Even if you’re unsure about the hallmarks on your jewellery, we’ll take care of the hard part:
Request a free selling pack
Secure packaging and prepaid postage included.
Send your items
Whether hallmarked or not, we’ll assess them safely.
Expert appraisal
Our team uses specialist equipment to verify purity, weight, and collectable value.
Receive an offer
Clear, no-obligation, and always explained in plain English.
Ready to discover your jewellery’s value?
Whether you’ve spotted a hallmark or aren’t sure what your marks mean, our team of specialists can help. From explaining gold hallmarks to valuing jewellery without visible stamps, we make the process transparent and straightforward.
👉 Ready to sell with confidence? Request your free selling pack today
Our expert
Mark Stevens bio
With a career spanning 40 years, Mark Stevens stands as a leading authority and Vintage Cash Cow's dedicated Gold Expert. His extensive expertise, honed through decades of professional collaboration, international travel to key markets across Europe and the USA, and his role as a trusted Jewellery Expert on ITV1 television production, provides him with unparalleled insight into the world of gold and fine jewellery.