Why we use the London Assay Office
Precious metal purity should be independently verifiable. For eligible items, we use the London Assay Office to ensure the fineness is assessed externally and that the resulting hallmark is applied through an authorised UK process.
Our difference is not a marketing claim: it is a verifiable workflow supported by an independent Assay Office and official documentation.
Our LAO workflow (high-level)
The steps below describe how hallmarking fits into our process without duplicating technical hallmark-reading content.
Preparation & consignment
Eligible pieces are prepared for submission using standard consignment and identification practices.
Submission to London Assay Office
Pieces are submitted to the London Assay Office using their official submission guidance and service options.
Submission & Service GuideIndependent testing & marking
The Assay Office performs independent assaying and applies the official hallmark where applicable.
The Hallmarking Process (PDF)Return & customer-facing transparency
After hallmarking, customers can reference official resources and dealer notices to understand what an approved hallmark represents.
What customers can verify
Independent workflow
Our process uses an external UK-authorised Assay Office for hallmarking on eligible items.
Official documentation
The steps and consumer notices are published as official PDFs by the London Assay Office.
Transparent expectations
Dealer notices outline what buyers should look for and the hallmark exemption thresholds.
Reading marks
For the technical interpretation of marks, use the main Hallmark Guide (kept separate to avoid duplication).
Go to Hallmark GuideWhere this fits in our standards
Hallmarking is one part of the trust system. Our internal standards cover production control, QC checks, and documentation discipline — and the London Assay Office step provides independent verification for eligible pieces.
Majestic Certification Standards