Registration
Each hallmark tells its own story through a series of individual marks within the hallmark. The first of which is usually the Sponsor's mark. This mark lets the buyer or the collector know who made the piece or more commonly who submitted the piece to be hallmarked.
For the purposes of traceability you must register a Sponsor's mark of your own with the Assay Office before you can begin sending goods for Hallmarking. Members of the general public can submit goods for hallmarking under the Assay Office sponsor with out the need to register.
A Sponsor's mark or Maker's mark is made up of at least 2 initials combined with a shape which surrounds the initials. The initials of the person or the company applying for registration are normally combined with one of the punch surround shapes available to make up a unique Sponsor's mark.
The cost of registration for the first time is £47. You will be required to re-register every 10 years and a re-registration costs £23.50.
Click here to download a list of punch shapes.
Click here to download a registration form.
Punch orders
After registering you will be allocated a unique punch design and you will be able to proceed and have a Sponsor's punch made. The Assay Office Scotland offers a full punch manufacturing service. We will advise on the size and types of punches you will require.