If you’ve ever spotted a tiny number or set of initials stamped inside your ring or on the back of a pendant, you’re not alone in wondering what it all means. These small details are called hallmarks, and they hold some pretty important information about your jewellery.
At Ativa Jewellery, we’re all about transparency, quality, and celebrating pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. So here’s a simple guide to help you understand exactly what’s stamped into your fine jewellery — and why it matters.
What Is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is a small symbol or set of letters and numbers stamped somewhere discreet on a piece of jewellery. It’s a kind of signature — one that certifies what your piece is made of and often even who made it. Hallmarks have been used for centuries to protect both makers and customers by verifying the metal purity of precious items like gold, silver, and platinum.
Common Hallmarks You’ll See in Ativa Jewellery
1. Metal Purity Marks (Fineness Marks)
These marks tell you what metal your piece is made of — and how pure it is.
Gold:
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 9ct or 375 | 9 carat gold – 37.5% pure gold |
| 14ct or 585 | 14 carat gold – 58.5% pure gold |
| 18ct or 750 | 18 carat gold – 75% pure gold |
| 22ct or 916 | 22 carat gold – 91.6% pure gold |
| 24ct or 999 | Pure gold – 99.9% (not typically used in delicate jewellery due to softness) |
You might see either the ct (carat) or the numerical version — both mean the same thing. For example, a ring stamped with “585” is the same as “14ct”.
Sterling Silver:
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 925 | Sterling silver – 92.5% pure silver |
| 999 | Fine silver – 99.9% pure (more common in bullion or custom orders) |
Platinum:
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 850, 900, 950, or 999 | Platinum – the number indicates the percentage of pure platinum (e.g. 950 = 95% pure) |
2. Maker’s Mark
This is the stamp that tells you who made or designed the piece. For Ativa Jewellery, we use a registered maker’s mark that shows our work has been lovingly crafted and independently verified. It might appear as a set of initials or a unique logo.
3. Assay Office Marks (Mainly UK & EU)
These marks show which official assay office tested and certified the metal content. While not required in New Zealand or Australia, they may appear on imported or vintage pieces. For example:
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A leopard’s head for London
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An anchor for Birmingham
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A castle for Edinburgh
4. Date Letters (Vintage & Antique Pieces)
Some older pieces (especially from the UK or Europe) will include a small letter that tells you the year the piece was hallmarked. Each letter represents a specific year in a rotating system, with different fonts and cases used each time — a helpful detail for collectors and antique lovers.
5. Other Common Marks You Might See
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| K or KT (e.g. 14K) | US karat gold stamp — same as 14ct |
| STG or STER | Sterling silver |
| PLAT or PT | Platinum |
| GP, GF, or GEP | Gold plated, gold filled, or gold electroplated (not solid gold) |
| CZ | Cubic Zirconia (a diamond alternative) |
Why Hallmarks Matter
We believe jewellery should come with both beauty and confidence. Hallmarks offer:
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Authenticity – proof your piece is made of real precious metals
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Transparency – reassurance of what you’re buying
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Resale & insurance value – helps with valuation and protection
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Heritage – some hallmarks even help trace your jewellery’s story
At Ativa, Every Detail Matters
We custom-make every piece of Ativa Jewellery to be timeless, wearable, and full of meaning — so it’s only fitting that we make sure every piece is correctly hallmarked. Whether you’re buying a special gift or investing in a piece for yourself, those tiny stamps inside your ring band are quietly telling the story of quality, care, and craftsmanship.
Have a piece of jewellery you’re curious about? Feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help decipher the markings or give you more info about what goes into your Ativa piece.