Convention marks

The Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals is an international treaty between States on the cross border trade in precious metal articles. It was signed in Vienna in November 1972 and entered into force in 1975.

The Members of the Convention are Austria (1975), Croatia (2018), Cyprus (2007), Czech Republic (1994), Denmark (1988, including Greenland since 2004), Finland (1975), Hungary (2006), Ireland (1983), Israel (2005), Latvia (2004), Lithuania (2004), Netherlands (1999), Norway (1983), Poland (2005), Portugal (1982), Slovak Republic (2007), Slovenia (2009), Sweden (1975), Switzerland (1975) and the United Kingdom (1976).

This means that the Dublin Assay Office can strike the Convention Hallmark which is recognised by all member countries in the International Convention. Conversely, articles bearing the Convention Hallmark (marked in Member states) are legally recognised in Ireland and do not have to be re-hallmarked here. So, this mark eases and ensures safeguards for the cross border trade of jewellery.

Finenesses recognised under the Convention are platinum (999, 950, 900, 850), gold (999, 916, 750, 585, 375), palladium (999, 950, 500) and silver (999, 925, 800). A Convention Hallmark consists of a Maker or Sponsor’s Mark, ans Assay Office Mark, a Fineness Mark and a Common Control Mark.

Platinum Hallmarks

Gold Hallmarks

Palladium Hallmarks

Silver Hallmarks

More details on convention marks can be downloaded from the information brochure below.
Download Information Brochure   

Other legal marks

National hallmarks from certain European countries are recognised in Ireland if they are deemed equivalent and are intelligible.

Additional information

If you require additional information on convention marks or other legal marks please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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