HALLMARKING AND METAL DESCRIPTIONS POLICY

HALLMARKING AND METAL DESCRIPTIONS POLICY

Last updated: October 2026

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how De Vere Diamonds Limited (trading as De Vere Diamonds) complies with the Hallmarking Act 1973 and related regulations. It ensures that every precious metal we supply is accurately described, legally hallmarked and clearly explained to our clients.

2. Legal requirements

2.1 Under UK law, any article described as being made of gold, silver, platinum or palladium, and weighing more than the exemption weight, must carry a legal hallmark applied by a UK Assay Office.

2.2 The exemption weights are:

• Gold and palladium: 1.0g

• Platinum: 0.5g

• Silver: 7.78g

2.3 It is a criminal offence to describe or sell an unhallmarked article above these weights as precious metal.

2.4 A hallmark describes the metal, never the diamond. A diamond supplied unset carries no hallmark. Its identity is its GIA grading report and its laser inscription.

3. Assay Office hallmarks

3.1 Every setting we supply above the exemption weight is submitted to a UK Assay Office for hallmarking before it reaches you.

3.2 The hallmark includes:

• the sponsor’s mark: the De Vere Diamonds sponsor’s mark, registered with the London Assay Office;

• the metal fineness mark, for example 750 for 18ct gold or 950 for platinum;

• the Assay Office mark: London, Birmingham, Sheffield or Edinburgh;

• a date letter, which the law makes optional and which we ask to be applied, and any commemorative mark.

3.3 Items below the exemption weight are supplied without a hallmark but are never misdescribed.

4. Dealer’s Notice

4.1 We prominently display the British Hallmarking Council Dealer’s Notice on our website and wherever we meet clients in person.

4.2 The Notice explains hallmarks and what they mean.

4.3 All staff are trained to explain hallmarking to clients on request.

5. Metal descriptions

5.1 Every description accurately reflects the metal content, using legally recognised standards such as “18ct Gold” or “Platinum 950”.

5.2 Terms such as “vermeil”, “gold plated” or “rolled gold” are used only where legally accurate and not misleading.

5.3 We do not use unqualified terms like “gold” or “platinum” unless the item is solid, legally hallmarked precious metal.

6. Mixed-metal jewellery

6.1 Where a piece contains more than one precious metal, it is hallmarked under the Assay Office’s mixed-metal rules, so that each precious metal is identified.

6.2 Non-precious components, such as steel, ceramic or resin, are clearly described.

7. Import and export of jewellery

7.1 Where jewellery is made outside the United Kingdom, it is submitted to a UK Assay Office for hallmarking before it is supplied, unless it carries a Convention Hallmark under the International Hallmarking Convention.

7.2 For exports, we provide clients with an explanation of the hallmark and, if necessary, any additional certification the destination country requires.

8. Supplier responsibilities

8.1 All suppliers and workshop partners must confirm that precious metal items supplied to De Vere Diamonds comply with hallmarking law.

8.2 No unhallmarked item above the exemption weight is accepted for supply to a client.

8.3 Compliance is verified during supplier due diligence and audits.

9. Client transparency

9.1 Clients are always told the metal content and hallmark status of their jewellery.

9.2 Descriptions online and in marketing match the legally hallmarked content.

9.3 Any special finish, such as rhodium plating on white gold or an antique finish, is disclosed clearly.

9.4 The hallmarking record for each setting is kept in the diamond’s Legacy Vault™.

10. Enforcement and training

10.1 All staff who handle jewellery must complete training in hallmarking compliance and accurate product description.

10.2 The Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring adherence to this policy.

10.3 Any breach may result in disciplinary action and potential legal penalties.

11. Continuous review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if:

• UK hallmarking law changes;

• British Hallmarking Council guidance is updated;

• De Vere Diamonds expands into new international markets that require different hallmarking standards.

In short

Every setting above the exemption weight is hallmarked by a UK Assay Office.

We display the official Dealer’s Notice on our website, so you can read a hallmark for yourself.

Precious metal descriptions, such as 18ct gold or platinum 950, always reflect Hallmarking Act standards.