It is law within the CA that every item of precious metal sold such as Platinum, Gold, Silver is stamped labelling the item with the type of metal it is. Platinum pieces which weigh less than 0.5 grams, 18ct Gold and Palladium pieces weighing less than 1.0 gram and Silver pieces weighing less than 7.78 grams are except from hallmark.
At Diamonds Factory all our products are hallmarked as per CA hallmarking law from London Assay Office (The GoldSmith Company)
Where Hallmarking Began
The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office is the oldest assay office in the United Kingdom. It has provided hallmarking services since The Goldsmiths' Company was founded in the 1300s. The company received its royal charter in 1327 and ranks 5th in order of precedence of the 12 Great Livery Companies of the City of London.
Hallmarking dates back to the 1300s when Edward I of England passed a law requiring any item made of silver, which was offered for sale, to be at least of equal quality as that of the coin of the realm (silver currency). The wardens of The Goldsmiths' Company were tasked with visiting workshops in the City of London to assay (test) silver articles. If these articles were found to be below standard they were originally destroyed and the metal forfeited to the King. If they passed, each article received the King's mark of authentication - the mark of a leopard's head. By 1478, there were several hundred workshops and merchants manufacturing silver articles in the City of London. It was not possible for the wardens to visit them all so the merchants were ordered to bring their items to Goldsmiths' Hall for testing and marking and a permanent Assay Office was established in the building. This is the origin of the term hallmark - struck with the King's mark at Goldsmiths' Hall.
In 1544 the Goldsmith's Company adopted the King's mark as their town mark and the mark of the leopard's head is now internationally recognised as the mark of this assay office.
Today
The Goldsmiths's Company Assay Office is still based at Goldsmiths's Hall and remains the oldest company in Britain to be continually trading from the same site. However, it also has two satellite offices; at Greville Street in Hatton Garden in the heart of the London jewelry quarter and within a high security complex near London's Heathrow airport. It now has a new off-site facility within the Dalston-based jewelry manufacturer, Allied Gold. This is the first time in the Assay Office's 700 year history that it has opened permanent hallmarking services on a customer's premises.
In addition to hallmarking, the office has now expanded its range of services to support the jewelry trade and enforcement authorities. It offers a variety of specialist analytical services including nickel, lead & cadmium testing, antique silver dating, non-destructive compositional analysis, plating thickness measurement and a melt and assay service for scrap precious metal carried out in their fully independent on-site laboratory. Other services offered are a jewelry valuation service, laser marking, trading standards assistance, high quality photography and a comprehensive range of training and educational seminars, lectures and specialist events.
Know More
As the chill of winter sets in, it’s time to bring out the cozy layers. Winter fashion is all about balancing warmth with style, and what better way to do that than with a few dazzling jewelry pieces? While chunky knits and boots keep you snug, diamond pendants and bracelets turn your outfit into a cold-weather showstopper. Just make sure to pick the right pieces that bring together sophistication and sparkle. The pair should add a touch of luxury and ensure your winter vibe is as stylish as it is cozy. You can check out these pairing ideas by our experts for inspiration.
Best diamond pendant and bracelet pairing ideas
The perfect winter jewelry pairings: diamond solitaire pendant and white gold diamond bracelet
How about we start with a timeless pair? You cannot go wrong with the classic diamond solitaire pendant when choosing winter jewelry. While the pendant has a simple look, the diamond takes center stage and shines brightly. Pair this stunning piece with a beautiful white gold diamond bracelet to add a refined touch to your outfit. White gold enhances the brilliance of the diamond bracelet, giving it a shimmering effect that will complement the shine of the pendant perfectly. Together, these pieces shine bright and create a minimalist look ideal for casual and formal winter occasions.
Heart pendants for romantic winter evenings: heart pendant and yellow gold bracelet
From joyful holiday dinners to cozy fireside evenings, the season is filled with heartwarming moments you can enjoy with your partner. So, why not wear a stunning heart-shaped pendant that fully captures the spirit of this season? A diamond heart pendant will add a romantic flair to your overall outfit. To complement it, go with a yellow gold bracelet that will give warmth and balance the cooler sparkle of the diamonds. It’s a perfect combination for those special date nights and winter celebrations when you want to glam up your look a little.
Initial pendants for a personalized look: diamond initial pendant and chain bracelet
Why not give your outfit a personal twist? Personalized jewelry is among the best options to stand out from the crowd and give your outfit a unique look. A diamond initial pendant is often the way to go in such cases because it clearly showcases your individual flair. With it, you can wear a delicate chain diamond bracelet to complement the pendant’s modern look. It’s a simple combination that creates a graceful look without appearing too busy or cluttered.
Winter warmth with yellow gold and diamonds: diamond pendant and yellow gold bracelet
The combination of diamonds and yellow gold is unbeatable when it comes to keeping your winter look warm and inviting. Since a yellow-gold diamond pendant contrasts beautifully against winter whites and darker hues, it creates a balance between a cozy and luxurious feel. This combination subtly adds just the right amount of sparkle to your outfit. You can pair this stunning piece with a yellow gold bracelet for a warmer and stylish look.
Layering with chain bracelets: layering chain bracelets with a diamond pendant
Love to experiment with your jewelry? Winter is one of the best times to try layering. You can wear multiple bracelets together to create a more interesting and unique look that resonates with you. If you are unsure how to mix and match, try stacking a variety of chain bracelets with different textures and styles for a stylish yet balanced look. With them, wear a beautiful diamond pendant that showcases the brilliance of the diamond and adds an elegant feel to your outfit. This combination works beautifully for casual or semi-formal occasions. It creates a chic and modern vibe that perfectly complements winter's layered fashion.
Create your own pairing with stunning diamond pendants and bracelets from Diamonds Factory
Your jewelry is a form of expression, and you can experiment with different ideas to find pairings that celebrate your individuality. Explore the wide selection of diamond pendants and diamond bracelets at Diamonds Factory to find pieces that reflect your taste.