This site is set up with the aim of helping people with an interest in reading and understanding those cryptic codes which we know as hallmarks. As you know they are found on all sorts of precious materials but particularly Silver and Gold. People with a fledgling interest in Antiques and jewellery may be interested rather than the consummate professional.

The owner of this site encourages you to contact him through the link at the bottom of the page and have some input so this site becomes one of shared information and experiences by which we can all learn.

There are some useful links on the side that are worth exploring.

Firstly the basics: ( remember this is aimed at beginners at this stage )

If you want to check out hallmarks you need two things basically, a jewellers eyeglass and a reference book of hallmarks. In the case of the jewellers eyeglass there is an excellent firm that specialise in selling  magnifying eyeglasses for professional, and have great customer service, namely Eyemagnify ltd. You can visit their product line at www.eyemagnify.com . The loupes are very good as are the double plastic eyeglass. For those of us that wear glasses there is the clip on type. All pretty good value and a decent quality better than the cheapies you see about.

Secondly you need a book on hallmarks, well the object is to check out dates and where made. Markers marks are a whole new ballgame. But some books worth considering may be..