Menu
15/02/2017
Trading Standards Issues Warning Over Fake Jewellery
Following the seizure of a large quantity of un-hallmarked jewellery, the Northern Ireland Trading Standards Service (TSS) has urged consumers to check the validity of hallmarks when buying jewellery.
TSS recently seized a haul of jewellery including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings which did not bear a valid hallmark certifying the gold or sterling silver's purity. Some of the seized jewellery had foreign markings indicating the quality of the metal, but were not hallmarked as legally required in Europe.
The seized items of jewellery is to be analysed by an Assay Office to discover if they really are the described precious metals.
The TSS said that traders who supply or offer to supply unhallmarked articles described as gold, platinum, palladium or silver may be guilty of committing a criminal offence.
As it is not possible to detect by sight or touch the gold, silver, platinum or palladium content of an item, hallmarking is therefore a legal requirement under the Hallmarking Act 1973. Consumers can rely upon hallmarks as an assurance of the quality of precious metals.
When purchasing jewellery consumers should be aware of the following:
• In a retail outlet look out for the hallmarking notice, this is the British Hallmarking Council's notice for jewellers and silversmiths. This sign, detailing UK hallmarking requirements, must be displayed by law.
• If an article is described as gold, silver, platinum or palladium, always ask if the jewellery is hallmarked; this is your guarantee.
A hallmark is made up of three compulsory symbols. These symbols can be viewed on The Assay Office website.
• The hallmarking symbols are not always visible to the naked eye. Don't be afraid to ask for an eye glass to ensure the compulsory symbols are present.
Bear in mind that silver articles weighing less than 7.78grams, gold and palladium articles weighing less than 1 gram and platinum articles weighing less than 0.5 grams are exempt from hallmarking requirements.
• If an article of precious metal is not hallmarked it may be fake. A suspiciously low price may be an indicator of fake jewellery. If it is too good to be true, it often is.
This recent seizure of jewellery is an example of how TSS acts to protect local people and the interests of legitimate business.
(MH)
TSS recently seized a haul of jewellery including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings which did not bear a valid hallmark certifying the gold or sterling silver's purity. Some of the seized jewellery had foreign markings indicating the quality of the metal, but were not hallmarked as legally required in Europe.
The seized items of jewellery is to be analysed by an Assay Office to discover if they really are the described precious metals.
The TSS said that traders who supply or offer to supply unhallmarked articles described as gold, platinum, palladium or silver may be guilty of committing a criminal offence.
As it is not possible to detect by sight or touch the gold, silver, platinum or palladium content of an item, hallmarking is therefore a legal requirement under the Hallmarking Act 1973. Consumers can rely upon hallmarks as an assurance of the quality of precious metals.
When purchasing jewellery consumers should be aware of the following:
• In a retail outlet look out for the hallmarking notice, this is the British Hallmarking Council's notice for jewellers and silversmiths. This sign, detailing UK hallmarking requirements, must be displayed by law.
• If an article is described as gold, silver, platinum or palladium, always ask if the jewellery is hallmarked; this is your guarantee.
A hallmark is made up of three compulsory symbols. These symbols can be viewed on The Assay Office website.
• The hallmarking symbols are not always visible to the naked eye. Don't be afraid to ask for an eye glass to ensure the compulsory symbols are present.
Bear in mind that silver articles weighing less than 7.78grams, gold and palladium articles weighing less than 1 gram and platinum articles weighing less than 0.5 grams are exempt from hallmarking requirements.
• If an article of precious metal is not hallmarked it may be fake. A suspiciously low price may be an indicator of fake jewellery. If it is too good to be true, it often is.
This recent seizure of jewellery is an example of how TSS acts to protect local people and the interests of legitimate business.
(MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 August 2014
19 Jobs Created In Gold Exploration
19 new jobs are being created through the expansion of a Canada-based gold exploration company. Dalradian Resources Inc. is creating 19 new jobs in County Tyrone to support its gold exploration project there.
19 Jobs Created In Gold Exploration
19 new jobs are being created through the expansion of a Canada-based gold exploration company. Dalradian Resources Inc. is creating 19 new jobs in County Tyrone to support its gold exploration project there.
06 November 2023
ICC Belfast Receives Green Meetings Gold Award
The International Convention Centre Belfast [ICC Belfast], together with sister entertainment venue, Waterfront Hall, has been awarded the Green Meetings Gold Award, accredited by Green Tourism, becoming the first purpose-built conference venue on the island of Ireland to receive the accolade.
ICC Belfast Receives Green Meetings Gold Award
The International Convention Centre Belfast [ICC Belfast], together with sister entertainment venue, Waterfront Hall, has been awarded the Green Meetings Gold Award, accredited by Green Tourism, becoming the first purpose-built conference venue on the island of Ireland to receive the accolade.
21 April 2022
NI Construction Firm Win International Health And Safety Award
Leading Northern Irish construction firm, Henry Brothers, has been awarded an internationally-acclaimed RoSPA Gold Award in recognition of its outstanding health and safety practices.
NI Construction Firm Win International Health And Safety Award
Leading Northern Irish construction firm, Henry Brothers, has been awarded an internationally-acclaimed RoSPA Gold Award in recognition of its outstanding health and safety practices.
20 September 2021
Call For Public Inquiry Into Dalradian Gold Mine Projects
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has called on the Planning Appeals Commission to launch a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine projects. Making the call, Minister Mallon said: "In June 2020 I announced that the Dalradian Gold Mine project at Greencastle, County Tyrone would be the subject of an independent Public Inquiry.
Call For Public Inquiry Into Dalradian Gold Mine Projects
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has called on the Planning Appeals Commission to launch a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine projects. Making the call, Minister Mallon said: "In June 2020 I announced that the Dalradian Gold Mine project at Greencastle, County Tyrone would be the subject of an independent Public Inquiry.
29 November 2017
Plans Submitted For Major Gold Mine In Co Tyrone
A Canadian firm has submitted a planning application to develop and operate a major gold mine in Co Tyrone. Dalradian aims to create hundreds of jobs if planning permission is approved. The development of the mine near Gortin would cost around £125 million. However, environmental campaigners have vowed to take legal action against the plans.
Plans Submitted For Major Gold Mine In Co Tyrone
A Canadian firm has submitted a planning application to develop and operate a major gold mine in Co Tyrone. Dalradian aims to create hundreds of jobs if planning permission is approved. The development of the mine near Gortin would cost around £125 million. However, environmental campaigners have vowed to take legal action against the plans.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
