ShanOre's Irish Hallmark Guide

ShanOre's Irish Hallmark Guide


This guide is designed to give you clear, practical knowledge about the Irish hallmark and how to use it in sales conversations. You’ll learn what the hallmark is, how to find it on ShanOre jewelry, and why it matters to your customers.
Think of it as both a training tool and a sales aid, helping you build trust, answer customer questions with confidence, and highlight the lasting value of hallmarked jewelry.

Irish Hallmark: The Basics

Understanding the Irish Hallmark

What is an Irish Hallmark?


An Irish hallmark is a set of legally required, official stamps applied by the Dublin Assay Office to certify the purity and authenticity of precious metals such as gold and silver.

All ShanOre jewelry made with gold or silver must be hallmarked, regardless of weight. This hallmark gives independent, government-backed assurance of what your customer is buying.

What Are the Parts of the Hallmark?

 

1) Sponsor’s Mark (Maker’s Mark)

ShanOre’s registered sponsor mark is FNM. This is a unique identifier registered with the Dublin Assay Office and proves who made the piece.

2) Fineness Mark

Indicates the metal purity:

925 = Sterling Silver

585 = 14K Gold (58.5%)

3) Assay Office Mark

This is the Hibernia figure, a seated woman with a harp. It confirms the piece was hallmarked at the Dublin Assay Office, located in Dublin Castle.

4) (Optional) Date Letter

An alphabetic character indicating the year the item was hallmarked. This is not always present.

How to Identify the Hallmark on your ShanOre Jewelry



 

Tip: Look inside the band of a ring or the back of a pendant, this is where the hallmark is usually found.

Sometimes, the hallmark may not be visible to the naked eye. In those cases, use a jewelry magnifier glass that lets you see the tiny certified marks clearly. This is where the hallmark is usually found.

Why It Matters to Customers

  1. Certified Authenticity: Your customer is buying exactly what’s stated.
  2. Irish Law:  There’s no minimum weight exemption; even small earrings are hallmarked.
  3. Heritage + Trust: Dublin Castle hallmarking has been in place since 1637.
  4. Resale Confidence: A hallmark is often required by jewelers or auction houses for valuation or resale.
  5. Heirloom Quality: Certified metal content and durable design mean the piece can be treasured for generations. 

How to Use the Irish Hallmark in Sales


Use these  tips to confidently include the Irish hallmark in your sales conversations:

1. Understand What a Hallmark Is

Before you can explain it to a customer, make sure you are familiar with the parts of the Irish hallmark, where to find it on a piece, and why it matters. This builds your credibility and confidence during the sale.

2. Point Out the Actual Hallmark

  1. Explain that FNM is ShanOre’s registered sponsor’s mark.
  2. Highlight the Hibernia symbol, which means the piece was independently tested in Dublin Castle.
  3. Clarify the meaning of the number: 585 means 14K gold, and 925 means sterling silver. These are official guarantees of the metal content.
  4. Customers feel reassured when they can see and understand the symbols.

3. Use It to Support Gifting Decisions

  1. Let the customer know that a hallmark gives peace of mind when buying a gift. It means the piece has been tested, approved, and certified.
  2.  It’s not just beautiful, it’s backed by Irish tradition and law.

4. Emphasize Long-Term Value and Heirloom Quality

  1. Explain that hallmarked jewelry is not only verified in the present, it’s made to last. ShanOre’s craftsmanship, combined with certified precious metals, creates jewelry that can be passed down.
  2. Adds emotional and generational appeal to the purchase.

Why Customers Appreciate This

  1. They may be comparing with unverified or imported jewelry.
  2. Many are shopping for gifts , and value the peace of mind that hallmarking brings.
  3. Some have cultural or personal ties to Ireland and appreciate that it was hallmarked in Dublin Castle.

Pro Tip: Show It Live

Keep a piece (like a ring or pendant) nearby that shows the hallmark clearly. Walk your customer through what each mark means , it builds instant credibility.

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