Silver Hallmarking and Quality
Silver jewellery is made from sterling silver - 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.
Silver is a very soft metal and 100% pure silver is not suitable for jewellery because it is too soft and would easily bend and go out of shape.
There are very strict legal requirements that must be adhered to when retailing jewellery in the UK.
UK law requires any sterling silver product over 7.78 grams in weight to be hallmarked by one of the four UK independent Assay Offices.
A hallmark is not be to confused with a manufacturers '925' stamp. '925' stamped into a piece of silver jewellery does not guarantee quality or that the product is really sterling silver.
A UK hallmark must also be present by law, otherwise the product can not be legally sold as sterling silver!
One of the requirements of the Hallmarking Act 1973 is that all dealers supplying precious metal jewellery shall display a notice explaining the approved hallmarks.
A legal UK hallmark consists of:
- Sponsors Mark:
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Sponsors mark - this is the unique mark assigned to each maker/importer that is registered with the assay office.
Silvertime is registered with Birmingham Assay Office. All our silver jewellery that we import is sent to Birmingham Assay Office for independent testing and hallmarking as required by UK law. Our sponsors mark is 'ST'.
- Standard Mark:
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Standard Mark - this mark denotes the standard of metal, eg. 925 for sterling silver, 375 for 9ct gold.
- Assay Office Mark:
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The Anchor symbol is the mark to show the product has been hallmarked at Birmingham Assay Office.
When we send our jewellery to Assay random pieces are cut and scrapped so that the silver can be tested for purity.
- Silvertime Jewellery - Quality Guaranteed:
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All our products are Nickel free and regularly tested. All gems stones used in our jewellery are also randomly tested.
We have been retailing jewellery for over 20 years. We have been trading on the internet since 1999.
Our wealth of experience guarantees that we only select the finest quality jewellery to include in our product range. We work closely with British manufacturers, UK importers and overseas manufacturers.
The only reason our prices are affordable and highly competitive is because we buy in large quantities and our overheads are low due to now being an internet only business. Many of our products are produced by the same manufacturers that supply exclusive high street jewellers.
We really do offer quality and exceptional value for money together with unrivalled service and customer support.
Our Best Selling Jewellery in the last month
Quality silver pendant chain. Rounded curb chain (as opposed to diamond cut curb chain) suitable for use with pendants. This is a premium quality solid sterling silver curb chain fitted with a larger than usual clasp measuring 6mm. Finished with a patented anti tarnish finish 1.75mm wide and 1.10mm depth.
from £8.90
Solid 925 sterling silver 3.5mm width diamond cut curb chain. Narrow unisex curb chain necklace
from £29.00
Premium quality diamond cut solid sterling silver curb chain with a good depth of 1.9mm and a width of 4.9mm.
from £66.00
Solid sterling silver spiga bracelet. This heavier spiga bracelet measures 4.3mm diameter and is suitable for men and women. Available in 7.5 inch (19cm) and 8.5 inch (21.5cm) lengths
from £36.00
4.9mm width silver curb bracelet, this bracelet is suitable for children as well as adults. Our wide range of sizes will suit most ages from very young children to adults. Always check the recipients wrist size before ordering.
from £28.00
Silver box chain ideal for use with pendants, premium quality Italian chain with anti tarnish finish, 1.10mm width, available in lengths 14 inches through to 28 inches.
from £5.99
Our 1.80mm Franco chain is ideal for larger pendants or to wear on its own. The Franco chain is a square link design, it is very tactile and the links are flexible, it doesn't tangle or twist and sits well when worn. This chain is a high quality hallmarked sterling silver chain fitted with a quality shackle clasp, the ring connecting the chain to the clasp is soldered to ensure a strong and durable chain.
from £27.00
Solid sterling silver unisex diamond cut rope chain. This stunning chain measures 3.3mm diameter and is available in lengths from 26 inches (66cm) to 30 inches (76cm)
from £60.00
2.5mm sterling silver belcher pendant chain. Premium quality belcher pendant chain available from 16 inches (41cm) to 30 inches (76cm). Perfect belcher chain for use with medium to heavy pendants. Fitted with larger 6mm bolt ring clasp.
from £14.12
Ladies 3.3mm width solid sterling silver diamond cut rope bracelet. 3.3mm diameter links. Available in a choice of 7.5 inch (19cm) and 8.25 inch (21cm) lengths
from £27.90
A beautiful highly polished silver chain ideal for use with a pendant. The round braided link is very flexible and smooth, perfect for pendants. We offer this Spiga chain in two different widths, this one being the smallest gauge at 1.80mm diameter, fitted with a quality lobster clasp.
from £13.90
Lightweight sterling silver figaro bracelet fitted with a premium quality lobster clasp, This figaro bracelet is 3.50mm wide and weighs 4.3 grams, the length in 7.5 inches - 19cm and 5.4 grams in 8.25 inches 21cm.
from £11.40
8.50mm width solid sterling silver men's curb chain, highly polished finish and fitted with a premium quality lobster clasp. This is in the medium to heavy range, available in lengths from 14 to 30 inches / 35cm to 76cm. The 30 inch length weighs over 2 ounces - 65 grams.
from £99.00
Solid sterling silver heart shaped link bracelet featuring a highly polished finish, 12mm x 9mm heart links and fitted with a quality clasp. Available in two lengths, 7.5 inch (19cm) length - 6.90 grams and 8.5 inch (21.5cm) length - 8.50 grams.
from £32.40
4mm wide solid sterling silver diamond cut unisex rope chain. Available in lengths up to 30 inches (76cm), the diamond cut edges give extra sparkle and shine to this popular chain design. Rope chain is becoming much more popular and the diamond cut rope chain is the preferred choice.
from £100.00
Solid sterling silver spiga chain. This heavier spiga chain measures 4.3mm diameter and is suitable for men and women. Perfect to wear on its own or for use with heavy pendants. Available in a large choice of lengths
from £66.00
1.1mm width sterling silver box pendant chain. Premium quality box pendant chain available from 14 inches (36cm) to 28 inches (71cm). Rhodium plated finish making this an ideal pendant chain to use with rhodium plated pendants. Fitted with larger 6mm bolt ring clasp.
from £6.49
Honey Baltic amber highly polished sterling silver paw print pendant. These charming pendants measure 24mm and are supplied with a sterling silver box pendant chain if required
from £23.90
Rectangular unisex solid sterling silver Franco chain. Perfect for pendants or to wear on its own. 2.35mm x 1.8mm
from £27.00
Solid sterling silver belcher chain necklace, medium gauge 5.70mm diameter, high quality hallmarked, Italian made, this is our best selling and most popular silver belcher chain. Available in lengths of 18 inches through to 32 inches.
from £94.00
