What Is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is an official stamp that confirms the metal content of a piece of jewellery.

For sterling silver, you’ll often see:

925

This means the piece contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% added for strength and durability. Pure silver on its own is too soft for everyday wear — so sterling silver is the standard used in jewellery.

In many countries, hallmarking is regulated. Above certain weight thresholds, precious metals like silver and gold must be stamped to legally confirm their purity.

It’s a way of protecting consumers and ensuring transparency.

Why Are Silver Pieces Hallmarked?

Sterling silver is classified as a precious metal.

Because of that, it falls under hallmarking regulations. When a silver piece meets the required weight threshold, it must be tested and stamped to confirm its purity.

If you see 925 on your jewellery, it’s simply confirming that it is genuine sterling silver.

It’s a mark of authenticity — not decoration.

Why Isn’t Stainless Steel Hallmarked?

Stainless steel is not a precious metal.

Because of that, it is not subject to hallmarking laws.

That means:

• It does not require a 925 stamp
  
• It does not legally need a purity mark
  
• Its quality is not measured in the same way as silver or gold
  

This does not mean it is lower quality.

It simply belongs to a different material category.

Stainless steel is valued for different reasons — strength, durability and corrosion resistance — rather than precious metal content.

Does a Missing Hallmark Mean Lower Quality?

No.

If a piece is made from stainless steel, it won’t carry a 925 stamp — because it isn’t silver.

Quality depends on:

• The material itself
  
• The craftsmanship
  
• The coating process (such as PVD)
  
• The finishing and construction
  

Not whether it has a hallmark.

Why We Use Both

At LUCID, we use:

• Sterling silver (hallmarked where required)
  
• PVD-coated stainless steel for strength and durability
  

Sterling silver offers precious metal authenticity.

Stainless steel offers exceptional resilience for everyday wear.

Both are chosen intentionally — for different reasons — and both are high-quality materials.

Transparency Matters

We believe jewellery should be clearly explained.

If a piece is sterling silver, it should be hallmarked appropriately.

If it’s stainless steel, it shouldn’t pretend to be something it isn’t.

Clarity builds trust.

And that’s what LUCID World is here for.