Hallmarking

Hallmarking is a centuries-old practice that certifies the authenticity and purity of precious metals. It ensures that the metal used in your jewellery meets legal standards of purity, giving you confidence in the piece you own.

At Lorn Jean®, every piece is hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office, an institution of integrity and precision since 1457. These marks are not simply a formality—they are a quiet preservation of value, provenance, and trust.

A full UK hallmark consists of several key symbols that guarantee the quality and purity of the precious metal. Each hallmark includes:

1. Sponsor’s Mark: This unique mark identifies the maker or brand of the jewellery. For Lorn Jean, this is the LJ Shield Mark, identifying the piece as an original studio creation.
2. Fineness (Purity) Mark: Confirms the precious metal content. For example, 925 denotes sterling silver—92.5% pure silver.
3. Assay Office Mark: This symbol identifies where the metal was tested and hallmarked. Lorn Jean jewellery is hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office, represented by the Edinburgh Castle Mark.
4. (Optional) Date Letter: Some designs may include a letter indicating the year of hallmarking.

Another optional hallmark is the Common Control Mark (CCM)

Recognised internationally under the Hallmarking Convention, the CCM allows precious metal items to be legally sold in other member countries without further testing.

Each hallmark is a quiet testament to the material integrity of the piece, a discreet yet enduring symbol of assurance.

For Lorn Jean, hallmarking is not an afterthought. It reflects a commitment to quality, transparency, and trust, etched into every sculpted composition. Each mark guarantees that your jewellery has been independently tested for purity by one of the UK’s official Assay Offices, confirming its authenticity.

Engraved for life and traceable, these symbols offer more than reassurance. In a world of surface, they hold substance — a certification rooted in history, essential to the integrity of fine jewellery.

Learn more by visiting the Edinburgh Assay Office for additional information on hallmarking and its significance.