Hallmarking Act 1973

PART III Articles Comprised of Precious Metal and Other Materials

6 An article comprised of precious metal and one or more other materials (in this paragraph referred to as “other materials ”) shall be hallmarked as if the precious metal were comprised in a separate article if, but only if, it complies with one or other of the following sub-paragraphs—

(a) where the other materials include base metal, the article shall be hallmarked only if the use of the base metal in the manufacture of the article is authorised by regulations made by the Council (or, in relation to any single article, is approved by the Council)—

(i) as being reasonably required to fulfil the purpose for which the article is designed to be used; and

(ii) as satisfying the requirement that the part composed of base metal should be clearly distinguishable in appearance (either by the colour of that part or by having struck thereon the word “metal” in manner consonant with any regulations made by the Council) from any part which is of precious metal of minimum fineness.

(b) where the other materials do not include base metal, the article shall be hallmarked only on the precious metal part thereof and only if—

(i) those materials are clearly distinguishable from any part of the article which is of precious metal and they are not plated or of a colour to resemble any precious metal and their extent is clearly visible, or

(ii) in respect of any article wherein the other materials are wholly or mainly enclosed by precious metal, the article has been so manufactured as to be capable of being hallmarked before it is filled and (except in the case of a handle to a knife, fork or spoon where the quantity of filling in the handle is not more than is necessary for joining) there has been struck thereon the word “filled ” in manner consonant with any regulations made by the Council.

In this paragraph “base metal” means any metal other than gold, silver or platinum of at least the minimum fineness therefor.