Assaying / Hallmarking
Measuring the Gold Content (Fineness) of Jewellery.
Assaying - There are a number of methods for measuring the gold content - or ‘fineness' - of carat gold jewellery. Measuring the gold content is known as assaying. Please see the World Gold Council's section entitled Assaying.
Hallmarking - In some countries, there is a legal requirement for all jewellery to be tested (assayed) by an independent third party (typically, an accredited Assay Office). If found to be within tolerance, then the Assay Office marks the jewellery with a number of marks including the caratage or fineness, the maker's mark and the Assay Office mark. This is known as a Hallmark.
World Gold Council's technical information on Hallmarking.
World Gold Council's jewellery and caratage information on Hallmarking.
