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!
A legal UK hallmark consists of:
- Sponsors Mark:
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:
Standard Mark - this mark denotes the standard of metal, eg. 925 for sterling silver, 375 for 9ct gold.
- Assay Office Mark:
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:
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.
Personalised Jewellery Engraving
We offer a selection of jewellery which can be personalised for engraving. Simply click the 'Personalise' section and add your copy. Our personalised jewellery range includes heart jewellery, lockets and ID Bracelets. View the full range of our personalised silver jewellery.
Our Best Selling Jewellery in the last month
Strong quality solid sterling silver heavy pendant chain. Rounded curb chain ideal for heavier pendants. Massive choice of lengths up to 42 inches.
from £14.90
Silver box chain ideal for use with pendants, premium quality Italian chain with anti tarnish finish, 1.10mm width, available in lengths 16 inches through to 28 inches.
from £3.99
A beautiful highly polished silver chain, this stunning chain is great to wear on its own or for use with a pendant. The round braided link is very flexible and smooth, perfect for larger pendants. We offer this Spiga chain in two different widths, this one being the largest at 2.50mm diameter. 16 to 36 inch lengths available.
from £18.40
Solid sterling silver unisex diamond cut rope chain. This stunning chain measures 3.3mm diameter and is available in lengths from 16 inches (41cm) to 30 inches (76cm)
from £27.90
Solid sterling silver men's curb chain. A good medium weight chain with 6.5mm wide links. Available in large range of lengths from 18 inches (46cm) through to 30 inches (76cm)
from £49.90
Solid sterling silver hallmarked heavy double heart T-bar toggle bracelet with two solid silver hearts. Available in 7.5" length - 46 grams (1.48 onces) 8.5" length - 50 grams (1.61 ounces)
from £104.90
Quality silver pendant chain. Rounded curb chain (as opposed to diamond cut curb chain) suitable for use with pendants. This is a premium quality solid sterling silver curb chain fitted with a larger than usual clasp measuring 6mm. Finished with a patented anti tarnish finish 1.75mm wide and 1.10mm depth.
from £5.70
Solid sterling silver belcher chain necklace, medium gauge 5.10mm diameter, high quality British hallmarked, British made, this is our best selling and most popular silver belcher chain. Available in lengths of 18 inches through to 32 inches.
from £60.00
Square Byzantine link sterling silver chain, highly polished finish. Fine Italian craftsmanship creates this classic link design measuring 4mm in width. Lengths from 18 to 34 inches available. Weights are 45 to 84 grams depending on chosen length.
from £79.00
Solid sterling silver box chain, very good quality lightweight box chain that is perfect chain for light to medium pendants. The width is 0.85mm and the chain is fitted with a 5mm bolt ring clasp. Available in lengths from 14 inches through to 26 inches.
from £2.99
7 inch (17.5cm) , 7.5 inch (19cm) and 8.5 inch (21.5cm) ladies byzantine sterling silver bracelet. This is semi-solid, the links are hollow inside which allows for a lighter weight bracelet and a much lower price.
from £27.90
Superior quality British made heavy solid sterling silver belcher chain fitted with a premium quality lobster clasp, 7.5mm diameter, weights 62 grams to 103 grams, available in lengths 18 inches to 30 inches / 46cm to 76cm.
from £118.00
Highly polished 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, 24 and 26 inch lengths - 40cm to 66cm lengths.
from £72.90
Mirror finish highly polished curb chain, 9.2mm width which is medium to heavy gauge. Classic shaped flat diamond cut curb links, stunning quality. Available in lengths from 18 inches - 46cm through to 32 inches - 81cm weights from 62 to 108 grams depending on chosen length.
from £109.00
Solid sterling silver men'scurb chain. Available in a wide range of lengths from 18 inches (46cm) through to 30 inches (76cm). A nice quality weighty curb chain at a very competitive price.
from £72.00
3.8mm width solid sterling silver figaro chain. The Figaro is a popular italian chain style comprising of 3 small circular links and one elongated oval link then repeating.
from £18.40
Franco chain is a contemporary square link design. 3mm width franco chain is suitable for men who are looking for a medium weight chain. The chain is finished with square end caps and premium quality shackle clasp.
from £39.90
Diamond cut adjuster chain in choice of two finishes which are standard silver with ant-tarnish or rhodium plating on silver . This versatile pendant chain can be adjusted to a maximum length of 24 inches - 61cm.
from £12.40
These stunning heavyweight t-bar necklaces can be engraved on both hearts on both sides of each heart. The two solid sterling silver hearts measure 28mm x 22mm for the large and 23mm x 20mm for the smaller heart, both hearts are a generous size and thickness.
from £179.00
Medium weight sterling silver curb bracelet, this style of curb bracelet is called a 'Dome Curb', dome curb chains and bracelets have deeper links and dome shaped profile. This dome curb bracelet is 7mm wide with a 3.10mm depth. Fitted with quality lobster clasp, highly polished finished.
from £39.90
