A simple explanation of English hallmarking rules, in laymans terms

Unlike some other countries around the world, in England hallmarks are applied
by a government registered body NOT the manufacturer

The rules state that for items made of gold which weigh over 1 gram
and items made of silver which weigh over 7.67 grams
must have a hallmark applied ( this is not just 375 or 750 or 925 )

Items below the above weight's are exempt from hallmarking

The hallmarking office has a minimum charge per parcel of £8.50
add to this registered postage each way and a parcel costs appx £22.00
most made to order clients leave insufficient time for this added service
and do not anticipate the extra time or expense

When mass produced items are made, usually in 100's and sent to hallmarking in
large batches each hallmark cost's less than 50p

For this reason items below weight are stamped with recognised number
made to order items above weight will not be described as iether gold or silver,
unless client is willing to pay £25.00 & wait up to 5 weeks for delivery