how to get my jewellery hallmarked in France

[french connection]

Hi, this is my first post - I am a British artist/jeweller, living and working in France. Up till the end of last year, I used to hallmark my jewellery in Britain before selling it here in France. This worked well because France recognised the British hallmarking system and was easier for me than embarking on the French system.

however, since Brexit France no long recognises the British hallmarking system, and therefore I am unable to hallmark my work in Britain to sell here.

Obviously, it would be ideal if I could get my work hallmarked here under the french system, but I just can't find the means of doing that. I'm not affiliated to any jewellery trade - my work is exhibited in galleries as studio jewellery. I make perhaps 20 pieces per year. I have no formal training here or reciprocal UK certificates and cannot see a way into being accepted into the french hallmarking system.

I would be very grateful if anyone could help with any advice as to how to move forward. I spent yet another hour googling the subject this morning and still not getting anywhere so feeling very frustrated! particularly because at present I am unable to exhibit or sell new work. In Britain there is clear advice on how to hallmark your work but I just can't find the equivalent here.

Thank you in advance. Any help would be gratefully received.

[Petal]

I know there are lots more restrictions since Brexit and have noticed some makers are not selling to particular countries now, as the UK hallmark is not recognised abroad. I know its not what you want to hear, but maybe make in France, hallmark the items in the UK and sell in the UK? Or maybe see if you can find a particularly friendly local jeweller near you that can advise?

Sorry to not be more helpful, but I wish you the best.

[pearlescence]

What is the problem? That you cannot discover the criteria for registering or that your registration is not allowed? I found this from the FT which might start you on a better track
https://www.ft.com/content/8669a0ed-1b4a-45bf-8750-f679c631c7f3
You are another casualty of brexit in the meantime. Since you live in France I can't even suggest you complain to your MP!

[CJ57]

I seem to remember a discussion a long time ago about working in France but it’ll no no longer be relevant since Brexit. The gift that keeps on giving
I found this but don’t know how helpful is is https://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9546&highlight=Working+in+France

Are you on FB as the Society of British Jewellers has members from all over and they might be able to help ?

[josef1]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hallmarking-requirements-and-the-eu

bit more info here

also a French bit https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/organisation-des-bureaux-de-garantie

[art925]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hallmarking-requirements-and-the-eu

bit more info here

also a French bit https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/organisation-des-bureaux-de-garantie

Seems you've cracked it with the second link Josef.

[ps_bond]

They haven't been back online to see even the first reply.

[pearlescence]

They haven't been back online to see even the first reply.

Well, we have enhanced our knowledge. They have not. We win

(there is a lot of enquiring and disappearing going on at the moment. Infuriating!)

[CJ57]

I didn’t like to say in case I was accused of being mean to new members again:/

[kashton385@gmail.com]

Hi, - I'm new to this forum too!

[kashton385@gmail.com]

Hi, - I'm new to this forum too! I have lived in south of France for 20 years and I wanted to sell jewellery in France years ago but there is no equivalent to Goldsmiths Hall over here, for any info or help. I went to Goldsmiths Hall in person about 8 years ago who told me that British Hall marks were acceptable in France. This unfortunately wasn't correct. Then I discovered that there is an office dealing with hall marking at the Customs Office on the Port in Nice so I went there in person to try to get some info. on hallmarking from them. They told me that English hall marks were not valid in France and never have been. They wouldn't give me any information and didn't want to talk to me further. This put me off for years. I subsequently learnt that French Law only permits you to buy silver / precious metals in France if you are registered as being a 'professional'. You can register as a micro entrepreneur to sell the jewellery you make at your local Chambres de Metiers et de Artisanat who provide free advice to anyone wanting to set up a small business including jewellery and arts and crafts. You may be able to ask for an advisor who speaks English. I made an appointment to see them last year, and they were very nice and helpful. They can get you set up and registered for 100 euros once you have completed the paperwork. Unfortunately they couldn't answer my questions about jewellery/ hallmarking or any related technical stuff. As I understand it from several local jewellers here with shops, whatever you want to sell in silver, even if its under 7 gms, has to be hallmarked with a french hallmark to sell it legally. Also you have to record all the precious metals you buy, and whatever you sell, in a Police book which you keep at your studio, so they can visit you and audit what you are doing. To register as a micro entrepreneur you also have to decide which type of jewellery you come under as jewellery is categorized into Bijoux Fantaisie, Bijouterie, and Joaillerie. I speak fluent french but that doesn't help with getting any information on this subject whatsoever, so its not the language that 's the problem. I expect it's online somewhere....
The GOOD news is that gold fill is not considered a precious metal here, so it's not subject to any of the above restrictions. Trendy jewellery shops in France are now selling gold fill jewellery. Hope this helps!!!