UK Moissanite Retailers Reminded: Hallmarking Rules Still Apply to Precious Metal Settings
As Moissanite continues to rise in popularity, and more Moissanite retailers come into existence in the UK, retailers are being reminded that hallmarking laws still apply in 2025. Although the laws don't involve Moissanite directly, they are applicable to the precious metal parts of the jewellery.
As per the Hallmarking Act 1973 and related guidance from the UK Assay Offices, any jewellery item that consists of gold, palladium, silver, or platinum must comply with strict hallmarking requirements if it exceeds legal weight limits.
The purpose of hallmarking is to verify that the jewellery metal is genuine in terms of the metal type and purity claimed, protecting consumers from falling for counterfeit products. According to the “Hallmarking: Practical Guidance – Summary” published by the UK government, a legally valid hallmark must include:
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A sponsor’s mark: It identifies the maker, importer, or person submitting the item for hallmarking.
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A fineness mark: It is also called purity or metal standard and is expressed in parts per thousand (for instance, 9‑carat gold is marked “375”.
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The Assay office mark: It shows which official office (London, Birmingham, Sheffield or Edinburgh) has verified the piece.
Hallmarking laws consist of certain exceptions, such as weight thresholds. Any gold under 1 gram is not eligible for hallmarking. Similarly, silver must be more than 7.78 grams, platinum, 0.5 grams; palladium,1 gram. Any metal weighing below the thresholds is exempt from hallmarking.
If the Moissanite jewellery is made of a setting that contains more than one metal, the hallmark must represent the least precious metal standard present, especially when one of the metals dominates by weight. Each metal component must meet its minimum fineness standard.
The hallmarking requirements apply only to the precious metal parts of the Moissanite accessory. The stone itself is not subject to hallmarking. What matters legally is how the metal setting (band, prongs, etc.) is described and whether it meets the statutory conditions.
If a piece is sold as, say, “18ct gold ring set with Moissanite,” the gold must meet legal fineness, and the ring must be hallmarked if it exceeds the relevant weight.
The retailers, both online and those with a physical presence, have several obligations under current law, such as they must display a Dealer’s Notice where customers can easily see it, and they must ensure the metals meet their descriptions. Misrepresenting metal type or purity is a legal offence.
For jewellery brands and retailers working with Moissanite, the takeaway is clear. Correct metal description matters. Selling a setting described as gold, silver, platinum, etc., triggers the need for hallmarking if the metal weight is above legal minimums. Always verify and test the metal purity; don’t rely solely on supplier claims.
For consumers who care about ethical sourcing and authenticity, a hallmark signals verification and helps distinguish high‑quality products. Lastly, online listings must comply with Moissanite pieces listed online, descriptions of precious metal content must be accurate; display of hallmarking notices and information is not optional.
