What is Hallmarked Jewelry? Can you buy it in Sri Lanka

  • Hi Dr Shihaan,

    I will be in Sri Lanka for a few weeks this summer. I want to buy a beautifully set gemstone ring for my fiance. I was told by a friend of mine that I should always buy hallmarked jewellery. What is hallmarking?Can I buy hallmarked jewellery in Sri Lanka?

  • Assaying is defined as the testing of precious metals to determine their purity.


    precious metal.



    The Sri Lanka Assay Office Address
    25, Galle Face Terrace, Colombo 03.
    Tele: 2325364, 2329295,2320758, 2390645-8.


    Analytical techniques used at the Sri Lanka Assay Office.

    1. Cupellation method ( fire assay)
    2. Potentiometric titration
    3. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
    4. X-ray fluorescence spectro metry



    Precious Metal Purity or Fineness

    Sterling Silver 925

    22kt.gold 916

    18kt.gold 750

    14kt.gold 375



    999PPT corresponding to 24Kt.
    916.6PPT corresponding to 22Kt.
    875PPT corresponding to 21Kt.
    750PPT corresponding to 18Kt.
    585PPT corresponding to 14Kt.
    417PPT corresponding to 10Kt.
    375PPT corresponding to 09Kt.
    333PPT corresponding to 08Kt.


    assay office mark,
    gold/platinum mark,
    numerical purity value and
    manufacturers mark.

    Sterling Silver
    assay office mark,
    sterling silver mark,
    numerical purity value and
    manufacturers mark.

  • I thought hallmark jewelry means a logo by the manufacturer. I did not know that the same logos are used for one country by an office after testing and certifying.

    thank you very much for the information