Antique Jewellers launches free hallmark identification tool
The Hallmark Finder uses a visual step-by-step interface to guide users in selecting the numbers and symbols found on a piece of jewellery
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UK-based antique ring specialist Antique Jewellers has launched Hallmark Finder, a new online tool that helps identify British jewellery hallmarks.
The free-to-use Hallmark Finder allows collectors, dealers, valuers and jewellery professionals to quickly decode the small symbols stamped on antique and vintage pieces. It identifies metal purity, assay office and hallmark date within seconds.
Hallmarks are legally required stamps that certify precious metals and play a vital role in verifying authenticity. Britain’s hallmarking system dates to 1300 and remains one of the most stringent in the world.
However, decoding marks typically requires expert knowledge or time-consuming reference work.
The Hallmark Finder uses a visual step-by-step interface to guide users in selecting the numbers and symbols found on a piece of jewellery.
It then explains each mark, such as identifying a “375” stamp as 9-carat gold or an anchor symbol as the Birmingham Assay Office.
The database draws on over 300 years of verified UK hallmark records and covers all major symbols and date letters. Even if a user is unsure about a particular symbol, the tool offers an intuitive way to browse possibilities.
The Hallmark Finder service also differs from existing hallmark databases by offering a comprehensive, user-friendly experience that requires no login or app download.
The company plans to continue updating the tool to reflect changes in hallmarking standards.
Drew Llewellyn, managing director of Antique Jewellers, said: “Decoding those symbols used to mean laboriously consulting hallmark reference books or charts. We wanted to create a quick, accessible solution for everyone — whether you’re verifying a family heirloom or cataloguing stock for an auction.
“There are other hallmark databases out there, but ours is designed to be extremely user-centric. We’ve digitised hallmark charts and built an interactive guide so you don’t need to be an expert to get an answer. And unlike some services, it’s completely free.”
