Hallmarking & Gold Authenticity

Our Commitment to Quality

At L’AURUM VINTAGE we specialise exclusively in solid vintage gold jewellery. Each piece in our collection is hand selected for its heritage, craftsmanship, and purity. We operate in full compliance with the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, ensuring that every item you purchase is accurately described and legally verified.

The UK Hallmarking Law

In the United Kingdom, it is a legal requirement for all items sold as gold to be hallmarked by a UK Assay Office if they exceed the 1.0g weight threshold. A hallmark is your independent guarantee that the metal has been tested for purity.

Understanding Your Hallmarks

When you look closely at your vintage gold, you will find a series of small stamps. A standard UK hallmark consists of:

1. Sponsor’s Mark: The unique mark of the company that submitted the item.

2. Fineness Mark: Indicates purity (e.g., 375 for 9ct, 585 for 14ct, 750 for 18ct).

3. Assay Office Mark: Shows where it was tested (e.g., An Anchor for Birmingham).

4. Date Letter: A letter code used in vintage pieces to identify the year of hallmarking.

Our Standards for Vintage Gold

• Items over 1.0g: Every solid gold item we sell weighing over 1 gram carries a full UK hallmark or a recognized International Convention mark.

• Items under 1.0g: Dainty vintage charms or rings weighing less than 1 gram are exempt from mandatory hallmarking but are still professionally tested for purity.

Vintage Condition Guide

As our collection consists of authentic vintage and antique solid gold, items may show subtle signs of their previous history. This includes minor surface "patina" (fine scratches) or slight thinning to ring shanks consistent with age. We categorise condition as follows:

• Excellent: Minimal wear, close to original state.
• Very Good: Minor age-related surface marks.
• Good: Visible character/wear consistent with a long history.

Detailed photos and descriptions of any notable wear are provided on each product page.

Official Dealer’s Notice

As a UK purveyor of precious metals, we are legally required to display the British Hallmarking Council’s Dealer’s Notice.

For more information on hallmarking in the UK, please visit the official Assay Office website.