Silver assay hallmarks represent official testing and verification of silver purity, providing legal guarantees of quality and authenticity.
Assaying involves testing silver items for purity using acid tests or other methods, followed by striking official hallmarks to guarantee quality.
Many countries legally require silver items above certain weights to be hallmarked, protecting consumers from substandard or misrepresented silver.
Only authorized assay offices can strike official hallmarks, making these marks legally recognized indicators of silver quality and authenticity.