Austrian Metal Marks

In the world of jewellery, silverware, and valuables, hallmarks play a crucial role, providing authentic information about the precious metal content and origin of objects. In Austria, the hallmarking system is subject to strict regulations, which make the precious metal product market transparent and secure.

What is a Hallmark?

A hallmark (in German: Punze or Feingehaltsstempel) is a stamp applied to jewellery or other precious metal objects that provides information about the fineness, or purity, of the precious metal. The numerical value in the hallmark expresses in per mille (‰) the proportion of the specified precious metal in the item. For example, “585” means that the object contains 58.5% gold.

In Austria, the tradition of metal marking developed as early as the Middle Ages, but took its modern form in the late 19th century. The currently valid regulations are established by the Punzierungsgesetz, or metal marking law. This stipulates that every precious metal product manufactured or brought into circulation in Austria must have an official metal mark.

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Metal marks help determine the true value of an object and also serve as a kind of guarantee for the buyer. In the Austrian system, an object typically has multiple marks: the fineness mark, the manufacturer or importer identification mark, and the verification mark from an official testing institute (e.g., stamp office) (Repunze, Amtspunze).

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Most Common Austrian Metal Marks

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In the case of gold:

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• 750 / 18K: 75% pure gold
• 585 / 14K: 58.5% pure gold (this is the most common)
• 375 / 9K: 37.5% pure gold (In Austria, this is not considered gold)

According to regulations, in Austria, only gold with a fineness of at least 585 per thousand is considered official gold.

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In the case of silver:

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• 925: “Sterling silver”
• 835: “Crowned silver”
• 800: The minimum prescribed fineness

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In the case of Platinum:

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• 950: High-purity platinum
• 750: Lower-grade platinum

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Where is the hallmark located? The hallmark is typically found in a discreet, less conspicuous place. For rings, it is usually on the inner side, on necklaces at the clasp or the last links, on earrings on the back, and inside for bracelets. For watches, the mark can be on the back or inside the cover.

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False Metal Marks and Their Recognition

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Due to high precious metal prices, it unfortunately occurs more frequently that items with fake hallmarks are attempted to be sold as genuine. The fraud method known as “Autobahngold” is especially common, where “gold” rings are offered in unlikely situations (such as highway rest stops) with urgent explanations.

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Trusted merchants apply an acid test or other physical examination even for hallmarked items to ensure the true composition of the metal.

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Legal Background in the United Kingdom

The Austrian Hallmarking Act clearly defines which products must be hallmarked. These are:

• Gold: at least 585 parts per thousand
• Platinum: at least 950 parts per thousand
• Silver: at least 800 parts per thousand

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According to the law, the hallmark must be clearly visible and unambiguously interpretable. Marketing jewellery with improper or false markings may result in legal consequences.

Interestingly, while metal hallmarking is legally prescribed in Austria, there is no such obligation in Germany. There, anyone can apply a hallmark, but if they place a fineness mark on an item, they are responsible for its accuracy.

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