Fémjelzett

Fémjelzett is a Hungarian term that translates to "hallmarked" in English. It refers to the practice of marking precious metal objects, such as jewelry and silverware, with a stamp or inscription that guarantees their purity and authenticity. This hallmark typically indicates the type of metal (e.g., gold, silver, platinum) and its fineness, which is a measure of the proportion of the precious metal in the alloy.

The system of hallmarking has a long history, with its origins dating back to medieval times when guilds and assay offices were established to protect consumers from fraud and ensure fair trade. In Hungary, hallmarking has been a regulated practice for centuries, with specific hallmarks assigned to different precious metals and their corresponding purity levels. These marks are applied by authorized assayers after the metal has been tested.

Common hallmarks on Hungarian precious metal items might include figures of ladies or animals, numbers indicating fineness (e.g., 750 for 18-karat gold, 925 for sterling silver), and maker's marks. The presence of a hallmark provides a crucial assurance to buyers that they are purchasing an item of genuine value and quality. Illegally marking items as hallmarked is a serious offense. The system aims to maintain trust and transparency in the precious metals market.