Hallmarks
Hallmarking is the oldest form of consumer protection. A Hallmark is your guarantee that the Irish jewelry you are purchasing has been tested at the Assay Office in Dublin Castle, located in Dublin, Ireland.
The purpose of these tests is to establish that this precious metal item is of the standard advertised. Only then is the hallmark applied to the article.
What you will see on the standard Irish Hallmark:
- A Sponsor’s mark, indicating the manufacturer of the piece
- A Standard mark certifying the precious metal content
- The fineness stated as parts per thousand or as karatage
- The location of the assay office responsible for certifying the article
Hallmarking as a practice has been in existence in Ireland since 1637 and all jewelry items from Ireland must, by law, bear a Hallmark.
In the USA 10kt is the minimum standard that may be described as gold. Sterling Silver, which is .925 parts Silver, is the silver standard in America.
As hallmarks are very small it may help to look at the Hallmark card on display in the store.
