Understanding Hallmarking in Jewellery
Hallmarking is one of the most important systems in the jewellery industry — a guarantee of purity, authenticity, and trust. When people think of hallmarks, they often associate them with gold, since gold hallmarking has long been a standard practice across the world. But what about silver? Does silver jewellery come hallmarked like gold? The short answer is: yes, it does.
Just like gold, silver jewellery can be hallmarked to verify its metal purity. In fact, in many countries including the UAE, hallmarking silver has become an essential step before any item reaches the market. Let’s explore what these hallmarks mean, how they work, and why they matter to both buyers and jewellers.
What Is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is an official stamp or engraving that certifies the purity (fineness) of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. It is applied by a government-approved assay office or testing authority. This mark serves as a proof of authenticity and protects consumers from buying fake or low-quality jewellery.
For silver, hallmarking ensures that the metal content meets the standard — usually 92.5% pure silver (sterling silver). The remaining 7.5% is typically copper, which adds durability.
Hallmarking Silver Jewellery
Silver jewellery is hallmarked using a similar process to gold. The piece is tested for purity, and once verified, small marks are engraved, usually in an inconspicuous area like the clasp of a necklace or the inner band of a ring.
A typical silver hallmark includes three key elements:
- Purity Mark – Indicates the silver content (e.g., “925”, “958”, or “999”).
- Assay Office Mark – Shows where the item was tested and certified.
- Maker’s Mark – Identifies the brand or manufacturer.
For example, if you buy a sterling silver ring marked 925 silver , it means the item contains 92.5% pure silver — the global standard for high-quality silver jewellery.
Silver Hallmarking in the UAE
The UAE has one of the most regulated jewellery markets in the world. Dubai Municipality and the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) oversee the hallmarking process. All silver items sold in registered jewellery shops must carry official marks verifying their purity.
Jewellery pieces are tested in government-approved laboratories to confirm their composition before they are stamped and displayed. These hallmarks provide customers with confidence that the item they are purchasing meets the required standards.
In Dubai’s Gold Souk and other major jewellery markets, silver items often carry the hallmark “925” alongside a small UAE quality mark.
Why Hallmarking Matters
1. Consumer Protection
Hallmarking prevents fraud by ensuring that jewellery matches its advertised purity. Without it, buyers could unknowingly purchase fake or low-grade silver.
2. Market Transparency
For both local and international buyers, hallmarks provide a standardized system of trust — particularly important in a global trading hub like Dubai.
3. Resale and Appraisal Value
Hallmarked silver retains better resale value, as the stamp verifies its quality for future buyers or appraisers.
4. Authenticity and Legal Compliance
In the UAE, hallmarking is mandatory for all precious metals sold commercially. It’s a legal assurance that the jewellery is genuine.
Common Hallmarks Found on Silver Jewellery
Here are the most frequently seen purity marks on silver items:
- 999 Silver (Fine Silver) – 99.9% pure, used in coins or investment bars.
- 958 Silver (Britannia Silver) – 95.8% pure, softer and less common in jewellery.
- 925 Silver (Sterling Silver) – 92.5% pure, the most popular and durable choice for jewellery.
Each mark is tiny but significant — it’s the jewellery world’s version of a quality seal.
How to Identify a Real Hallmark
To check if your silver jewellery is genuine:
- Look for a small numeric stamp such as “925” or “999”.
- Examine with a magnifying glass or jeweller’s loupe.
- Ask for a certificate of authenticity from the retailer.
- Purchase from licensed UAE jewellers, as they are required by law to sell only hallmarked items.
If a piece has no visible hallmark, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s fake — but it’s always best to have it tested before buying.
Final Thoughts on Silver Hallmarking
So, does silver jewellery come hallmarked like gold?
Absolutely. Hallmarking silver ensures transparency, authenticity, and quality assurance — especially in the UAE, where strict regulations protect consumers. Whether you’re buying a sterling silver necklace from Dubai Mall or a handcrafted bangle from the Gold Souk, the hallmark guarantees that what you’re wearing is the real deal.
In a world where imitation jewellery is widespread, hallmarks remain the jewellery industry’s signature of trust and integrity.
FAQs
1. What does “925” mean on silver jewellery?
It means the item is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
2. Is hallmarking mandatory for silver in the UAE?
Yes. All silver jewellery sold by licensed jewellers must be hallmarked and certified.
3. How can I check if my silver jewellery is genuine?
Look for the hallmark stamp and request a purity certificate from the jeweller.
4. Is hallmarking the same as branding?
No. Branding identifies the manufacturer, while hallmarking certifies the purity of the metal.