Hallmarking
If you are looking to sell jewellery or other precious metal items in The Netherlands and in many other countries, your items will need to be hallmarked first. When these official hallmarks are applied, you are free to sell the items to almost all of Europe. We will help guide you along this process, summarized in these simple steps:
Registration
Before articles are marked with our official Dutch hallmark, your 'Responsibility Mark' must also be applied on the articles. A Responsibility Mark is a mark that can uniquely identify who is responsible for placing the articles on the market. If you do not have a Responsibility Mark (also called Makers Mark or Sponsors Mark), we are able to design one for you and register it officially at WaarborgHolland in Gouda. We can send you an application form on request or you can download it here. Your new Responsibility Mark can be used in combination with our national hallmarks in all European countries. Is it your first time hallmarking? Read more about it here.
Transport
Articles to be hallmarked can be delivered to WaarborgHolland in Gouda by any forwarding agent. Our office is located in the center of The Netherlands between Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport) and Rotterdam (Rotterdam Airport). Sending imported articles directly to WaarborgHolland saves time, especially if they come from outside the EU.
Unpacking
Depending on how you deliver the goods to us, it is important to us that the goods are loose and not individually packed in ziplock bags. We understand that this is not always possible due to safety and damage. If there are no other options, WaarborgHolland can do this for you at a small fee. We are of course happy to discuss this with you in advance. After all your jewelry has been carefully sorted (by type of metal such as gold/ silver or platinum and fineness) your batch will be registered and weighed in (above a camera) in our system.
Assaying
Upon receipt your items are assayed right away. Depending on the type, thickness and other factors, varying methods are used to find out whether they adhere to the legal standard. They include, but are not limited to: the touchstone testing method, X-ray, potentiometric titration or micro cupellation. When these methods confirm your items comply, they are ready to be hallmarked.
Marking
Your items will be marked via laser engraving or stamping. Both methods have their pros and cons. Laser engraving is very precise, allows for a wide variety on options, and can be done at a very small size. Stamping by hand is the more traditional approach and is sometimes preferred for its more authentic look. Furthermore some large or oddly shaped items are not suitable to mark by laser. The choice is up to you.
Distribution
Once all marking has been done, the hallmarked items will be packed and sent to whatever location you please. We will help you with your distribution process and make sure your items will reach their destination safely.
Success
