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Hallmarking: The Dublin Assay Office

Written by Ciaran Vipond on Jan 27, 2015 | 0 Comments

Situated in the picturesque grounds of Dublin Castle, the Dublin Assay office is where our jewelry literally gets the stamp of approval. The office was established in 1637 to supervise the hallmarking of each piece of gold and silver throughout Ireland, and guarantee purity or fineness of the metal being sold.

What is Hallmarking?

Hallmarking is when precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum and palladium are officially marked by a stamp or a series of strikes. This is typically carried out by a government body, independent of the jeweler who made the piece.

What is the Difference Between a Hallmark and a Trademark?

Hallmarks or easily confused with “trade marks” and “maker’s marks”. This is becoming a real problem with the rise of online jewelry stores claiming to sell substandard “trademarked items” to eager buyers!

“Trade marks” and “maker’s marks” only serve to distinguish one metalsmiths work from another, they do not guarantee purity or fineness of the metal being sold.

A true hallmark, must be the guarantee of an independent body or authority that the contents are as marked.

The History of Hallmarking

Ancient Byzantine Hallmarks

The use of hallmarks on silver has long history. Dating back as far as 4th century AD hallmarks represent the oldest form of consumer protection. Although their interpretation has not been completely resolved, a series of marks (similar to that of traditional hallmarks) have been found on silver dating from the Byzantine period.

Late Middle Ages Hallmarking

From the Late Middle Ages hallmarking was performed by local governments through authorized assayers. These experts examined precious metal goods presented to them by silver/goldsmiths across the land. The assayers would only hallmark items that met their strict quality standards.

Items that received the hallmark from the assay office were deemed fit to sell to the public.

Modern Hallmarking

Efforts to create a standardized international hallmarking system have been plagued by difficulties. What is considered a pure concentration of metal in one country will not be considered pure in another territory. The ratio of metal alloy in certain circumstances has made international trading of metal extremely difficult in modern times. In 1973 a group of European nations signed the “Vienna Convention on the Control of the Fineness and the Hallmarking in Precious Metal Objects”. This convention served to standardize, legislate and facilitate the safe international buying and selling of precious metals.

Items which are assayed and found to be in conformity by the qualifying office of a signatory country, receive a mark, known as the Common Control Mark (CCM).

The Dublin Assay Office

The Dublin Assay Office was established in 1637 and has undergone many changes over the years.

  • When it was first established the Dublin Assay Office hallmarked each 22 karat gold and silver piece using a stamp of a crowned harp.
  • In 1638 a date letter system was introduced and used in conjunction with the crowned harp stamp.
  • On the 25th of March 1730 each item manufactured featured The Hibernia mark. This mark was to indicate that a duty had been paid on all articles manufactured after that date.
  • After the formation of the Irish Free State in 1922 the hallmarking remained largely the same as it is now.

At My Irish Jeweler each piece of jewelry that we sell is hallmarked by the Assay Office assuring quality.

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Ciaran Vipond

Ciaran Vipond

My Irish Jeweler

Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!

I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!

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