London Assay Office: The Hallmarking Process - Marking
Once the purity of an item has been confirmed it is ready to be marked. There are 2 types of marking: traditional marking using a punch, and laser marking which is the most modern method.
Traditional struck marks are applied by a highly skilled expert using either a hammer and punch or a press. Laser marking uses a very fine high-powered laser beam to etch the metal surface creating the hallmark. Find out more about each method in this video.
The Hallmarking Process - Marking
The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office is where hallmarking began, and we have been testing and hallmarking precious metals for over 700 years. At the Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office we provide both traditional handmarking and the latest laser marking techniques across three key London locations with a choice of three priority services including one hour, same day and early hall. We process 3 million articles a year, in 100,000 packets, and are proud to apply the leopard's head townmark of London to each and every one.