Silver Hallmarking and Quality
Silver jewellery is made from sterling silver - 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.
Silver is a very soft metal and 100% pure silver is not suitable for jewellery because it is too soft and would easily bend and go out of shape.
There are very strict legal requirements that must be adhered to when retailing jewellery in the UK.
UK law requires any sterling silver product over 7.78 grams in weight to be hallmarked by one of the four UK independent Assay Offices.
A hallmark is not be to confused with a manufacturers '925' stamp. '925' stamped into a piece of silver jewellery does not guarantee quality or that the product is really sterling silver.
A UK hallmark must also be present by law, otherwise the product can not be legally sold as sterling silver!
One of the requirements of the Hallmarking Act 1973 is that all dealers supplying precious metal jewellery shall display a notice explaining the approved hallmarks.
A legal UK hallmark consists of:
- Sponsors Mark:
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Sponsors mark - this is the unique mark assigned to each maker/importer that is registered with the assay office.
Silvertime is registered with Birmingham Assay Office. All our silver jewellery that we import is sent to Birmingham Assay Office for independent testing and hallmarking as required by UK law. Our sponsors mark is 'ST'.
- Standard Mark:
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Standard Mark - this mark denotes the standard of metal, eg. 925 for sterling silver, 375 for 9ct gold.
- Assay Office Mark:
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The Anchor symbol is the mark to show the product has been hallmarked at Birmingham Assay Office.
When we send our jewellery to Assay random pieces are cut and scrapped so that the silver can be tested for purity.
- Silvertime Jewellery - Quality Guaranteed:
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All our products are Nickel free and regularly tested. All gems stones used in our jewellery are also randomly tested.
We have been retailing jewellery for over 20 years. We have been trading on the internet since 1999.
Our wealth of experience guarantees that we only select the finest quality jewellery to include in our product range. We work closely with British manufacturers, UK importers and overseas manufacturers.
The only reason our prices are affordable and highly competitive is because we buy in large quantities and our overheads are low due to now being an internet only business. Many of our products are produced by the same manufacturers that supply exclusive high street jewellers.
We really do offer quality and exceptional value for money together with unrivalled service and customer support.
Our Best Selling Jewellery in the last month
Highly polished solid sterling silver heart tag bracelet with t-bar fastening. One of our best sellers over the last 15 years. Available in a choice of three lengths
from £74.00
Highly polished 925 solid sterling silver heart tag necklace. With heart tag and T-Bar fastening, this is a timeless classic design available in 16 ,18 ,20, 22 and 24 inch lengths - 41cm to 61cm lengths.
from £129.00
2.20mm diameter sterling silver bead chain fitted with a premium quality durable lobster clasp. This silver bead chain is ideal for use with pendants and dog tags for both men and women. Lengths 16 to 28 inches, 41cm to 71cm.
from £21.00
Solid sterling silver unisex diamond cut rope chain. This stunning chain measures 3.8mm diameter and is available in lengths from 26 inches (66cm) to 30 inches (76cm)
from £79.00
Solid sterling silver hallmarked curb chain 4.3mm width, superb quality high polished finish, fitted with a premium lobster class. This is one of our best selling silver curb chains.
from £69.00
2mm wide solid sterling silver strong pendant chain. The highly polished chains are fitted with a good size 6mm clasp and are available in extra long lengths up to 34 inches (86cm). Perfect for medium sized pendants
from £19.00
4.8mm wide solid sterling silver diamond cut unisex rope chain. Available in lengths up to 30 inches (76cm), the diamond cut edges give extra sparkle and shine to this popular chain design. Rope chain is becoming much more popular and the diamond cut rope chain is the preferred choice.
from £149.00
2.5mm sterling silver belcher pendant chain. Premium quality belcher pendant chain available from 16 inches (41cm) to 30 inches (76cm). Perfect belcher chain for use with medium to heavy pendants. Fitted with larger 6mm bolt ring clasp.
from £18.00
Honey Baltic amber sterling silver ring with a double wrap over design. Set with a long piece of oval honey Baltic amber measuring 20mm x 10mm
£36.90
Solid 925 sterling silver 3.5mm width diamond cut curb chain. Narrow unisex curb chain necklace
from £48.00
This stunning necklace features four infinity symbols symbolising eternal, never ending love. The large clasp can fit along the two inch extender making the longest length 30 inches, plated in rhodium for a luxurious white gold look.
was £39.90
Sale Price £33.22
Highly polished ladies sterling silver Omega necklaces. Perfect for use with light to medium weight pendants Omega necklaces are designed to be worn close to the neckline similar to a torque collar.
from £18.40
Sterling silver bracelet set with vibrant lemon Baltic amber. A curved sterling silver leaf wraps around each piece of lemon Baltic amber. Available in choice of standard length and extra long length
from £44.90
Sterling silver Celtic knot bangle set with honey Baltic amber. This beautfiul lightweight bangle is set with a large piece of golden Baltic amber measuring 18mm x 8mm. The bangle includes an extender so that it will fit all wrist sizes
£44.00
Double bee sterling silver Baltic amber pendant. Set with golden honey Baltic amber. The sterling silver is highly polished. This pendant has a drop of 38mm (including bail). This pendant is supplied with an 18 inch (46 cm).
£58.00
Solid sterling silver t-bar necklace with heart charm. A lighter weight version of our best selling t-bar necklace with heart. Available in a large choice of lengths
from £66.00
2.9mm diameter diamond cut solid 925 sterling silver rope chain necklace
from £46.00
Solid sterling silver belcher bracelet. Britsh made highly polished round belcher link bracelet fitted with a quality lobster clasp.
from £100.00
Sterling silver triple set amber earrings set with three pear drop pieces of 8mm x 6mm Baltic amber. Vibrant honey, lemon and green colours - 38mm drop.
£28.90
