Palladium has been officially recognised as a precious metal in the UK after its hallmark became compulsory.

The metal was awarded a voluntary hallmark in July 2009, but as of 1st January 2010, it is now a legal requirement for it to feature on all items weighing more than 1g.

As a result, all articles manufactured from palladium must receive the statutory hallmark from one of the country's four independent assay offices in order to be eligible for sale.

The items must also be tested to ensure that they contain the appropriate amount of palladium, which is currently set at a minimum of 500, 950 or 999 parts per thousand.

According to a report by Retail Jeweller, the move is likely to prove successful, as more than 40,000 pieces have already been voluntarily hallmarked in the past six months.

The hallmark, which is designed to protect jewellers from unfair competition and consumers from rogue traders, sees palladium join gold, platinum and silver in achieving precious metal status.

Source:

Palladium hallmark becomes compulsory (05/01/10)

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