Jewellery sellers fined for selling rings without hallmarks

Update 3 December: The article has been revised to clarify that the jewellery shop pleaded guilty rather than being found guilty of selling "fake silver rings." Hull City Council confirmed that the court case focused on the rings lacking hallmarks, which is illegal, but the rings were confirmed to contain silver.

A Hull-based jewellery store has been ordered to pay over 4,000 after admitting to selling silver rings that were not hallmarked. Zerrin Jewellery, located on Newland Avenue and owned by Fast Food Import and Export, was investigated following routine inspections that identified non-hallmarked silver items on two separate occasions.

The court imposed a 4,000 cost order, a 300 fine, and a 120 surcharge. Councillor Charles Quinn, responsible for Trading Standards, emphasized the importance of consumer confidence, stating that buyers should be assured that products meet their advertised claims.

Government guidance notes that precious metals like platinum, gold, palladium, and silver are usually alloyed with other metals for durability and color, making it impossible to verify their content by sight or touch. As a result, hallmarking is legally required for items marketed as containing these metals, with certain exceptions.

The penalties were handed down at Hull Magistrates' Court on 24 October, following an investigation by the councils Trading Standards team in collaboration with the Sheffield Assay Office, which tests and certifies precious metals.

Quinn added that jewellery is often purchased as a special treat and is expected to retain value and quality over a lifetime. With the holiday season approaching, he advised shoppers to ensure their purchases are genuine, suggesting they check for hallmarks and review customer feedback before buying.

Author: Grace Ellison