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
Sparkling sterling silver diamond cut rope chain necklace. Lightweight ladies sparkling 1.80mm diameter necklace. Wear on its own or with a pendant, this versatile necklace is available from 16 inch (41cm) lengths through to 30 inch (76cm) lengths
from £16.00
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
Sterling silver box belcher chain, 3.65mm width. We offer this design of chain in three gauges, this one being the smallest gauge. The box belcher design is a masculine and stylish design of chain becoming increasingly popular.
from £79.00
Men's Celtic design bangle. Solid sterling silver oxidised Celtic design bangle. 13mm width and weighing over 31g (1 ounce)
£110.00
Rectangular unisex solid sterling silver Franco chain. Perfect for pendants or to wear on its own. 2.35mm x 1.8mm
from £27.00
Highly polished solid sterling silver heart tag bracelet with t-bar fastening. One of our best sellers over the last 15 years. Available in a choice of three lengths
from £69.00
3.5mm width solid sterling silver figaro chain. The Figaro is a popular italian chain style comprising of 3 small circular links and one elongated oval link then repeating.
from £25.00
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
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
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
8mm wide solid sterling silver Miami Cuban curb chain. Premium quality hand finished and hand polished cuban curb chain. Heavy weight chain starting at 87g in 51cm length
from £239.00
3mm width solid 925 sterling silver Franco bracelet available in a 8 inch and 8.75 inch lengths (20cm and 22cm)
Sale Price from £29.88
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
Large pear drop shaped honey Baltic amber drop earrings featuring an open wave design on the outer edge of each earring, 38mm drop, weight is 5.30 grams. Colour of amber will vary from image shown because each piece of amber is unique.
£39.90
Mirror finish highly polished curb chain, 9.2mm width which is medium to heavy gauge. Classic shaped flat diamond cut curb links, stunning quality. Available in lengths from 18 inches - 46cm and 20 inches - 51cm weights from 60 to 67 grams depending on chosen length.
from £164.00
A beautiful highly polished silver chain, this stunning chain is great to wear on its own or for use with a pendant. The round braided link is very flexible and smooth, perfect for larger pendants. We offer this Spiga chain in two different widths, this one being the largest at 2.50mm diameter. 16 to 36 inch lengths available.
from £24.00
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
Sterling silver unisex belcher chain of a medium weight that would suit a man or woman, not too heavy but not too light. The link diamter is 3.90mm, we offer lengths from 18 to 42 inches (46 cm to 107 cm) , fitted with a premium quality lobster clasp.
from £42.00
