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Thread: Silver Wire - Hallmark

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    28

    Default Silver Wire - Hallmark

    Is it possible to buy silver wire pre cut is at Cooksons that has a hallmark on? I am such a small business - more of a hobby really, but if I start to make a bangle or 2 would like it to be hallmarked, but not sure if the invesyment of registering etc is worth it.......so if there were pre hallmarked wire out there it would be the way forward for me....thanks for your help in advance x

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    183

    Default

    Unfortunately, due to hallmarking legislation, we are not permitted to stock pre-hallmarked wire. It has to be on a finished piece.

    If you would like more advice and information about hallmarking, the number for our Hallmarking Specialist is 0121 212 6453

    Hope this helps!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Cardiff
    Posts
    988

    Default

    It's very straightforward applying for a maker's mark and arranging hallmarking through the assay office(s). I use Goldsmiths, and they are very helpful. I was very worried I wouldn't know how to complete the forms, or what to do, but it's very straightforward process - and there's something lovely about getting your work back with your makr and the hallmark on ;-)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    1,086

    Default

    I'll second Lydia's comment. Having a sponsor mark really is making your mark on your work, and it is your unique mark for ever and ever.. If you want to sell items the law does require hallmarking and customers will take you much more seriously.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Rhondda, United Kingdom
    Posts
    169

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    I'd third it! I am a very small enterprise myself and registered with Goldsmith's last summer. It's not cheap, but well worth it in my opinion. I keep my maker's mark punch myself, so I can punch my initials into everything I make, as I use copper and brass as well as silver.


    Melanie

    http://www.spinysharklythings.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Midlands
    Posts
    47

    Default

    I agree with all the statements above. I got my hallmarking registered last year, and as Melanie said I keep my punch myself, so I can stamp my mark onto any item i make even if it is made from base metals. That way you are making your name known, and promoting your business.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

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    If you are really averse to registering with your assay office, or make lots of non-precious items and you have a neat signature, then consider the Dremel Engraver, which is £24 inc. VAT. With very little practice you can learn to sign all your pieces, add the date, and draw a little logo. Dennis.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Rhondda, United Kingdom
    Posts
    169

    Default

    Good suggestion Dennis, although I passed my Dremel engraver on to my friend when I got my flexshaft, and I write small stuff with a 0.8mm engraving burr. I find the results to be smoother than with the dedicated engraving tool, just need to get the feel of it to be able to stop the bit "running away" to the side. Horses for courses, as is always the way :-)


    Melanie

    http://www.spinysharklythings.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    1,086

    Default

    The boring legal thing is that if you sell items over a certain weight which are made of precious metals they must be hallmarked by rule from the Hallmarking Acts. It isn't voluntary. The weights are on the websites for the Assay offices. I would think a bangle would be heavy enough.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Brittany
    Posts
    776

    Default

    I'm quite excited as I have just applied to the Edinburgh Assay Office for my sponsors mark.

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