When buying or owning gold jewellery, understanding what you’re holding goes beyond design and price. Gold hallmarks, those small numbers and symbols stamped onto a piece, serve as an official indicator of its quality and authenticity. Knowing how to read them can make all the difference. 

What is a Hallmark? 

A gold hallmark is an official mark stamped onto gold items to certify their purity and authenticity. Think of it as a guarantee, an additional assurance that what you’re buying (or inheriting) is genuinely gold and meets certain quality standards. 

These markings are typically found in discreet places: inside a ring band, on a clasp, or along the edge of a pendant. While easy to overlook, they’re one of the most important details in any gold piece. 

Singapore’s Official Hallmark 

In Singapore, gold jewellery may be certified by the Singapore Assay Office (SAO) - an independent authority that tests and verifies the purity of precious metals. When a piece carries an SAO hallmark, it signals that it has undergone professional assessment and meets recognised quality standards. 

SAO Hallmark’s Breakdown 

The Lion Head Symbol - This is the official mark of the Singapore Assay Office. Distinct and easily recognisable, the lion head signifies that the piece has been tested and certified in Singapore.  

Fineness Mark - Numbers such as 999 (24K) and 916 (22K) indicate the purity of the gold, expressed in parts per thousand.  

Jeweller's Mark - A registered mark identifying the jeweller or company that submitted the piece for hallmarking.  

Together, these marks serve as a seal of assurance. Unlike retailer-only stamps, the SAO hallmark provides independent verification, offering an added layer of trust in the authenticity and quality of the jewellery. 

End Note 

It’s also worth noting that hallmarking in Singapore is voluntary rather than mandatory. At our core, we believe that every piece of gold should be as honest as it is beautiful. That’s why we place importance on recognised hallmarking standards, including certification by the Singapore Assay Office. By ensuring our jewellery meets verified purity benchmarks, we offer our customers not just gold, but confidence in every purchase.