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 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
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
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
Strong quality solid sterling silver heavy pendant chain. Rounded curb chain ideal for heavier pendants. Massive choice of lengths up to 42 inches.
from £27.00
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 30 inches (76cm). Perfect for medium sized pendants
from £19.00
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
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 £26.00
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
Highly polished curb chain, 9.2mm width which is medium to heavy gauge. Classic shaped diamond cut curb links, stunning quality. Available in 20 inch, 24 inch and 28 inch lengths
from £230.00
Solid 925 sterling silver 3.5mm width diamond cut curb chain. Narrow unisex curb chain necklace
from £48.00
925 solid sterling silver men's curb chain. A good medium weight chain with 6.5mm wide links.
from £104.00
7.8mm solid 925 sterling silver curb bracelet, currently available in: 7.5 inch , 8.5 inch and 9.25 inch lengths . Fitted with a quality lobster clasp and highly polished finish.
from £64.00
5mm width solid 925 sterling silver curb bracelet available in a choice of lengths
from £38.00
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
76cm (30 inch) 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.
£119.00
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
30 inch (76cm) strong rounded curb chain to wear on its own or with large, heavy pendants. 3.5mm wide rounded curb links. A good solid versatile chain that should be in every woman's jewellery collection
from £64.00
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
Double drop sterling silver Tree of Life pendant set with cognac Baltic amber. The large round amber is backed with a Tree of Life design in addition to the front of the pendant. Worn against a light coloured garment the Tree of Life can be seen through the Baltic amber
from £29.00
