The UK Hallmarking
Guarantee
The oldest form of consumer protection in the world. 100% compliant with the UK Hallmarking Act 1973.
The Leopard's Head
Long before modern consumer rights existed, the British Crown recognized a severe problem: corrupt goldsmiths were mixing base metals with pure gold to increase their profits.
In the year 1300, King Edward I enacted a brutal and brilliant statute. He decreed that no gold or silver could be sold until it had been tested by the "Guardians of the Craft" and struck with a specific stamp: the Leopard's Head. This stamp proved the metal met the strict royal standard of purity.
Craftsmen were required to take their goods to Goldsmiths' Hall in London to be tested. This is the exact origin of the word "Hallmark"—a mark made at the Hall.
The Modern Law: Over 700 years later, that tradition is enshrined in the Hallmarking Act 1973. It remains illegal to sell items sold as gold or silver over a certain weight (1g for gold, 7.78g for silver) without this independent stamp. At KeeperRings.co.uk, we proudly submit every heavy piece we cast to the Assay Office to continue this centuries-old legacy.
Decoding the Stamp
1. The Sponsor's Mark
Also known as the Maker’s Mark. This unique, registered stamp identifies the specific company or master jeweller responsible for sending the item to the Assay Office for testing.
2. The Standard Mark
This guarantees the purity of the metal in parts per thousand. For example, 375 denotes 9ct Gold (37.5% pure gold), which is the traditional standard for British keeper rings due to its exceptional hardness.
3. The Assay Office Mark
This symbol denotes which specific UK Assay Office tested and stamped the item. An anchor represents the prestigious Birmingham Assay Office, located in the historic Jewellery Quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers regarding craftsmanship, sizing, and delivery.