A bit about hallmarking
In order to sell any sterling silver items that weight over 7.78g, legally they must be hallmarked. This protects you as a buyer, as you have confirmation that the material is exactly what it is described as at point of sale.
Many of the items I make fall under this threshold, however those that don’t will be made in their entirety, before sending to the Assay office in Sheffield for marking.
You may notice that the hallmark on your item looks a little different to what you may expect a traditional hallmark to look like.
This is because historically all items had to be physically stamped with their makers mark, however, in more recent times makers have been able to purchase a ‘laser’ mark which enables the size to be reduced or increased depending on what piece is being marked…. Be it a fine diamond ring, or a silver teapot!
My mark consists of my initials ‘LK’ inside two small conjoined circles, followed by 925, to show the product is sterling silver and then the flower representing Sheffield Assay Office.
I chose the two conjoined circles to represent potatoes, the other half of my life spent as a potato farmer!