What does hallmarked mean?

In the UK any silver that weighs over 7.8g must be sent for Hallmarking.
Is a set of components marks applied to articles of the precious metals gold, silver, platinum or palladium.

-Means that the article has been independently tested.
-Guarantees that it conforms to all legal standards of purity (fineness)
-Guaranties provenance by telling us where the piece was hallmarked, what the article is made from, and who sent the article for hallmarking.
-The full traditional Hallmark Comprises five marks.
*sponsor’s mark
*traditional fineness mark
*millesimal fineness mark
*Assay office mark
*date letter mark.
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