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GoldPaid’s Knowledge Centre provides transparent, evidence-backed answers to every question surrounding precious metals, hallmarking conventions, non-destructive testing and postal valuations.
Hallmarking & Purity Guides
- UK Gold Hallmark Database — Decoding London Leopard, Birmingham Anchor, Sheffield Rose, Edinburgh Castle, and date letter series.
- UK Silver Hallmarks Guide — Lion Passant, Britannia silver (958), sterling (925) and duty marks explained.
- 9ct Gold (375) Guide — UK’s most common jewellery purity (37.5% fine gold).
- 18ct Gold (750) Guide — Premium jewellery purity (75.0% fine gold).
- 22ct Gold (916) Guide — Sovereign coins and fine Asian gold bangles.
- 24ct Gold (999) Guide — Pure fine gold bullion bars and PAMP ingots.
Testing Methodology & Process
- XRF Spectrometry Assaying — How X-ray fluorescence reads gold purity without scratching or filing your jewellery.
- Our Valuation Method — Step-by-step calculation: XRF purity × calibrated weight × live spot rate.
- Postal Safety & Royal Mail Special Delivery — End-to-end tracking and insurance cover up to £2,500.
- Free Tracked Returns Guarantee — No-obligation valuation with free insured returns if declined.
Probate, Collectables & Original Research
- Probate & Inheritance Guide — Discreet, HMRC-compliant estate valuation for executors and solicitors.
- Collectables Hub — Buying vintage watches, British silver coins, military medals and stamp albums.
- Annual UK Precious Metals Recycling Report — GoldPaid’s anonymized data on UK jewellery purities and postal selling trends.
Common questions
How does GoldPaid test gold purity without scratching items?
We use non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. The XRF analyzer emits low-energy X-rays that cause the metal atoms to fluoresce, measuring exact element percentages (gold, silver, copper, zinc) without scratching, filing or acid-testing.
What is the difference between a hallmark and a karat stamp?
A UK statutory hallmark is an independent guarantee struck by one of the four UK Assay Offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh) verifying metal purity. A simple "375" or "18K" stamp applied by a manufacturer is a maker declaration, not a legal hallmark.