Why Isn't It Stamped? A Question I'm Always Happy to Answer
Hallmarks, trust and knowing what you're buying
This week I received an email from someone asking:
"It's not stamped. How do I know it's really silver?"
Was I offended?
Not at all.
In fact, I was pleased they asked.
We live in a world where "waterproof" jewellery can turn your skin green after a few weeks, precious metals aren't always what they claim to be, and online shopping often means putting your trust in someone you've never met. Asking questions before you buy isn't being awkward. It's being sensible.
So I explained.
In the UK, sterling silver jewellery doesn't legally have to be hallmarked unless it weighs more than 7.78g. Many of the pieces I make, particularly earrings, stacking rings and delicate necklaces, fall below that legal weight.
A common misconception is that a stamp saying 925 proves a piece is sterling silver.
It doesn't.
Unlike a UK hallmark, a 925 stamp is not independently verified. Anyone can buy a 925 stamp and impress it into a piece of metal, whether it's sterling silver or not. That's why I choose not to stamp my jewellery with 925. In my opinion, it offers a false sense of reassurance because the stamp itself proves nothing.
A genuine UK hallmark is different. It can only be applied after the piece has been tested by an Assay Office and confirmed to be the precious metal it claims to be. That's why a hallmark carries real meaning.
How I help you buy with confidence....
Hallmarking where required
Any piece weighing over 7.78g is hallmarked in accordance with UK hallmarking law.
Complete transparency
I regularly share videos and reels showing my jewellery being made, from sawing and soldering through to polishing and finishing. You can see exactly how each piece comes together because I have nothing to hide.
Optional hallmarking
If you would like any piece, even one below the legal weight, to be hallmarked, I'm happy to arrange this for an additional charge. Think of it as an independent spot check, giving you extra reassurance that your jewellery has been officially tested by an Assay Office.
Speak directly to the maker
When you buy from Impressums Jewellery, you're not dealing with a faceless customer service department. If you have a question about a piece, the materials I use or the making process, you can simply ask me. I'll always give you an honest answer.
Buying jewellery should feel reassuring
I understand why people ask these questions.
In many ways, it's encouraging that shoppers are becoming more aware of what they're buying and where it comes from. I'd much rather someone asked than simply assumed.
Independent makers rely on trust, and trust is earned through honesty, transparency and consistency.
For me, honesty means not adding a meaningless stamp simply because customers expect to see one. I'd rather explain why it isn't there than create the impression that a 925 mark guarantees authenticity when it doesn't.
So if you're ever unsure about a piece of jewellery, whether it's one of mine or someone else's, ask the question.
