Check it’s Hallmarked
In Ireland all articles of silver, palladium, gold and platinum are subject to compulsory assaying and hallmarking and there are no exemptions by weight. Precious metal articles must bear an Irish Hallmark or an International Convention Hallmark or a hallmark applied by an independent body in another Member State of the EU that provides equivalent information to the marks referred to in Irish Legislation.
Most items of precious metal (gold, silver and platinum) Jewellery or Plate are not made from pure metal e.g. 18ct gold or 750/1000 is 75% gold and 25% other metal. It is not possible for the consumer to know if the correct % of precious metal is present in the article or not.
The hallmark guarantees the precious metal content. Irish hallmarks provide the final consumer with a unique guarantee of the precious metal content that lasts the lifetime of the product.
The Irish hallmark comprises three compulsory marks. The Maker or Sponsor’s Mark, the Assay Office Mark and the Metal & Fineness Mark.
It is compulsory, by law, for all items sold in Ireland to be hallmarked, regardless of weight. In addition, all places of business selling precious metals must prominently display the following statutory notice.
Irish hallmarks provide the final consumer with a unique guarantee of the precious metal content that lasts the lifetime of the product.