Hallmarking is one of the worlds oldest continuous forms of consumer protection, and can trace its origins to the reign of Henry II, more than 840 years ago. It offers customers, retailers and the trade assurance that objects made from precious metals have been independently scientifically tested (assayed), and through the marks that are applied (the Hallmark), tells them what an object is made from, when it was made, who sent it to be Hallmarked (the sponsor), and which of the four UK Assay Offices tested and marked it.

On Thursday 23 October 2025 join the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Library and Archive team at Goldsmiths’ Hall – the home of Hallmarking and the London Assay Office since 1478 – to learn about the history, meaning and purpose of the (not so) secret world of hallmarking through objects and documents in their collections, during an exclusive Archive Experience session.

Visitors will come face to face with objects and documents that have played an important part in the living history of Hallmarking, including the earliest surviving register of sponsor marks from 1697, original mark plates from the 1770s, and a selection of historic punches and tools!

This exclusive Archive Experience will be held in the Library Reading Room, capacity is limited to 10 people, and tickets are priced at £25 per person. 

Proceeds will go towards ensuring more young people across the UK have free access to vital creative education, through Goldsmiths’ Giving, a charitable partnership between The Goldsmiths’ Company and the National Saturday Club.