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
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 £11.40
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
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
Solid sterling silver t-bar design necklace. Available in a large range of lengths. A timeless and classic design suitable to wear as it is or to add pendants and charms to create a signature piece
from £119.00
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
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
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
2.9mm diameter diamond cut solid 925 sterling silver rope chain necklace
from £46.00
Men's sterling silver flat link Byzantine chain 6.80mm x 3.12mm depth links. This hallmarked chain has a superb highly polished finish and is one of our most stunning Byzantine Chain's. Available from 18 to 32 inches, up to 81 grams.
from £174.00
3.5mm 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 £43.00
Sterling silver earrings set with 6mm honey Baltic amber. Classic design earrings, a must for any jewellery collection, the overall diameter including the silver setting is 7.4mm. These are premium quality earrings with a highly polished finish.
£22.00
5.5mm width solid 925 sterling silver curb bracelet available in a large choice of lengths
from £39.00
Oval sterling silver belcher chain suitable for use with pendants or to wear on it's own. Highly polished finish fitted with larger 6mm bolt ring clasp. All links are soldered including the clasp to ensure a strong and durable silver chain, available in a wide range of lengths, the links measure 3.8mm x 2.7mm x 1.00mm.
from £13.00
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
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
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
Solid sterling silver t-bar bracelet with two engravable hearts. Oval link bracelet with t-bar fastening available in standard and extra long lengths.
from £129.00
