Here at Maria Alicia we are proud to be registered with the Birmingham Assay Office for our hallmarking. You can be assured that all silver and gold we use is just that - solid sterling silver and solid golds.
When an item of silver weighs over 7.78g (1g for gold) we send it to Birmingham for assaying. This means they test an area of the piece to ensure it is what we are selling it as. They look after our MA punch which is then stamped onto our jewellery along with the Birmingham anchor and the fineness mark (925 for silver and 375 for 9ct gold, 750 for 18ct gold ect.) Occasionally on bespoke pieces additional marks may be used for commemorative purposes such as the Royal Jubilee mark.
Please take care when purchasing fine jewellery and look out for a dealers notice - if in doubt ask! It is an offence not to display one in places of sale.

For more information on hallmarking legislation
check out the Assay Office website