How to Read Antique Jewellery Hallmarks

Ever spotted tiny stamped symbols inside an antique or vintage ring and wondered what they meant? You’re not alone. Hallmarks are like secret signatures, tiny clues that tell you when, where, and what your jewellery is made of.

In this short guide, we’ll walk you through how to read antique jewellery hallmarks, using the Victorian signet ring pictured below as an example.

What is a Hallmark?

A hallmark is a small set of symbols stamped into precious metal—usually found on the inside of rings, or the back of brooches and lockets. These marks are your way of identifying the metal, the maker, the year, and where it was tested.

What to look for- the four standard hallmarks

Most British antique jewellery has four main marks:

The Metal Fineness Mark – e.g., “9ct” for 9 carat gold
The Assay Office Mark – tells you where it was tested (like London, Birmingham, or Chester)
The Date Letter – one letter, in a specific font, that tells you the year
The Maker’s Mark – the initials of the person or company that made it

Dating the Victorian signet ring

On our Victorian gold signet ring, you’ll see an elegant shield symbol with three sheaves of wheat and a sword—that’s the Chester town mark. The Chester Assay Office closed in 1962, which makes items with a Chester mark more collectible.

This particular ring also carries the ‘Q’ date letter for 1899 and the classic “9” and “.375” stamp, meaning it’s 9ct gold.

How to start reading hallmarks at home

Use a magnifying glass or your phone’s zoom
Look for a row of small symbols, often inside the band
Use an online chart or hallmark guide to decode them
Don’t worry if you can’t ID them all—some were worn away with time!

Why it matters

Reading hallmarks turns a pretty antique or vintage ring into something more: an object with a known age, origin and story. For collectors and lovers of antique jewellery, hallmarks help prove authenticity and add value.