You know what Hallmarks are on metal - those engravings that mark the manufacturer, date of origin, or place. The possible stamps are endless, but many of the more known and common stamps will be familiar to people who know jewelry (like us, at BC Custom Jewelry). :)

Hallmarking was done back in the days of the Egyptians, but not made official until the Middle Ages, when Europeans adopted the system. In 1814, it made its introduction into the United States, according to records, and in 1906, the U.S. announced requirements in the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act.

Today, you will find a difference between the hallmarks on U.S. metals and European hallmarks, as well as the hallmarks of metals of other countries. Each country has their own rules and regulations.  The U.S. hallmarks will normally have two symbols - one for the trademark and the other is the quality mark. European hallmarks include five different symbols.

If you have a piece of jewelry with a unique looking hallmark on it, a jewelry professional like us at BC Custom Jewelry could help you figure out some very interesting details and history about the jewelry.