The Gold Company

A Quick Guide to Gold and Silver Hallmarks

The Gold Company is one of Australia's most trusted precious-metal buyers, specialising in gold, silver, and other valuable metals

A Quick Guide to Gold and Silver Hallmarks

If you’re looking to sell gold or silver locally, understanding hallmarks is one of the easiest ways to know what you own and how much it may be worth. Hallmarks are official stamps that confirm the purity and authenticity of precious metals and play a key role when visiting a trusted local gold and silver buyer.

This quick guide explains the most common gold and silver hallmarks, what they mean, and how GoldCompany helps customers get the best local prices for gold and silver.


What Are Hallmarks and Why Do They Matter?

Hallmarks are small stamps applied to gold and silver items to verify their metal content. In the UK and Australia, hallmarking laws protect consumers by ensuring precious metals meet minimum purity standards.

When you visit a local gold buyer like GoldCompany, hallmarks allow for:

  • Faster and more accurate valuations
  • Transparent pricing based on purity
  • Confidence that you’re selling genuine precious metals

Even without a visible hallmark, professional testing ensures nothing is overlooked.


Gold Hallmarks Explained – What Your Jewellery Is Really Worth

Gold jewellery is made from alloys, combining pure gold with other metals for strength. The hallmark shows the percentage of pure gold in the item.

Common Gold Hallmarks You’ll See
  • 999 / 24ct – Pure gold (99.9%)
  • 916 / 22ct – Traditional high-purity gold
  • 750 / 18ct – Premium jewellery gold
  • 585 / 14ct – Mid-range gold content
  • 375 / 9ct – Common in UK gold jewellery

Older pieces may show 9K, 18K or 22K markings instead of numeric stamps.

Local tip: Broken or unwanted gold jewellery still holds value. GoldCompany buys gold by weight and purity, not condition.


Silver Hallmarks Explained – Sterling vs Silver-Plated

Silver hallmarks are especially important when selling silver locally, as many items are silver-plated rather than solid silver.

Solid Silver Hallmarks
  • 925 – Sterling silver (92.5% pure)
  • 958 – Britannia silver (often antique)
  • 999 – Fine silver
Silver-Plated Markings (Lower Value)
  • EPNS – Electroplated Nickel Silver
  • EP – Electroplated
  • A1 – High-quality plating

If your item is silver-plated, it contains very little precious metal and is priced accordingly.


No Hallmark? No Problem

Many customers searching for “sell gold near me” worry because their jewellery has no hallmark. That’s completely normal. Vintage items, imported jewellery, and worn pieces often lack stamps.

At GoldCompany, advanced testing methods such as XRF scanning and traditional acid testing accurately determine gold and silver content — even without hallmarks.


Why Sell Gold and Silver Locally with GoldCompany?

Choosing a reputable local gold and silver buyer makes all the difference. GoldCompany offers:

  • Competitive local market prices
  • Transparent testing and weighing
  • Immediate payment
  • Friendly, expert service
  • Walk-in convenience

Whether you’re selling gold jewellery, silver cutlery, coins, bullion, or scrap, you’ll receive an honest valuation based on real precious metal content.


Visit GoldCompany – Your Trusted Local Gold & Silver Buyer

Understanding hallmarks helps you sell smarter — but having the right buyer matters even more. If you’re searching for gold buyers near you or silver buyers you can trust, visit GoldCompany for a professional, no-pressure valuation.

Bring your items in today and discover their true value.

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