When you buy a piece of fine jewellery, you’re investing in more than just something beautiful—you’re choosing a symbol of value, emotion, and legacy. At House of Lor, where each piece is designed in Ireland and made with rare Irish gold, we believe in upholding the highest standards of authenticity and trust. That’s where hallmarking comes in—an essential practice that protects you, the customer.
What Is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is an official stamp applied to items made of precious metals—such as gold, silver, or platinum—after they have been independently tested for purity. It confirms that the metal content of your jewellery meets the declared standard. For example, a 9-carat gold ring must contain 37.5% pure gold, and a hallmark verifies that fact.
Unlike brand stamps or engravings, hallmarking must be carried out by an accredited assay office. In Ireland, that authority is the historic Assay Office at Dublin Castle, operating since 1637—one of the oldest in the world.
A Practice Not Found Everywhere
While hallmarking is mandatory in countries like Ireland, the UK, and some parts of Europe, it is not a universal practice. In many countries, there is no legal obligation to hallmark precious metals, leaving room for misrepresentation and imitation in the jewellery market.
That’s why hallmarking matters even more—it sets reputable jewellers apart and gives you confidence that your purchase is both genuine and fair. It’s not just a symbol of trust; it’s a legal guarantee.
What You’ll Find on a Hallmarked Piece
Every House of Lor piece is hallmarked at the Dublin Assay Office and carries:
· The fineness mark, showing the purity of the metal
· The Hibernia mark, representing Ireland
· Our unique maker’s mark, registered to House of Lor
· The Assay Office mark, proof it has passed stringent testing
These marks may be small, but their significance is immense—they ensure the jewellery you wear today is made to last generations.
A Legacy of Quality and Integrity
At House of Lor, we take great pride in using mined Irish gold from County Tyrone, paired with timeless Irish design. Hallmarking is not just a requirement—it’s an expression of our values. It connects each piece to a tradition of excellence, accountability, and heritage.
In a marketplace where imitation and mass production are common, a hallmark is your reassurance that you’re investing in something real, crafted with care, tested with precision, and certified to endure.
Why It Matters to You
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, marking a personal achievement, or gifting something meaningful, a hallmarked piece of jewellery offers:
· Peace of mind—knowing it’s made to an exact standard
· Proof of authenticity—with a traceable maker and origin
· Lasting value—both emotional and material
With House of Lor, you don’t just wear Irish jewellery—you wear trust, tradition, and the landscape of Ireland, sealed with the hallmark of assurance.
Behind every piece is a story…what will yours be?
