International Hallmarking Convention Looks to the Future
Published: 23rd October 2026
Modernisation, online jewellery sales and changing market conditions were high on the agenda at the 94th meeting of the International Hallmarking Convention's Standing Committee in Rome on 7th October 2026.
The meeting brought together 63 officials to discuss the future of international hallmarking and the challenges facing the precious metals industry.
Market pressures continue, with 6.43 million articles marked with the Common Control Mark in 2025, a decline of 10.9%. Figures for the first half of 2026 show a further 13.5% reduction, reflecting the impact of high precious metal prices.
Key developments included:
- Modernising standards: New guidance and procedures to strengthen consistency, transparency and governance from January 2027.
- Online jewellery sales: Progress towards a new listing standard to improve transparency and consumer confidence when buying precious metals online.
- International cooperation: A new agreement with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) to strengthen collaboration across the industry.
- Future planning: Agreement in principle to establish a new association to support the Convention's long-term operation.
As the jewellery industry evolves, the Convention's work reinforces the importance of trusted hallmarking, independent testing and internationally recognised standards.
Sheffield Assay Office continues to support these principles, helping businesses demonstrate compliance and giving consumers confidence in the precious metals they purchase.
The Standing Committee will next meet in Geneva in March 2027.
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,
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