What does the rose hallmark mean?
Short answer
Rose: Sheffield Assay Office (on gold from 1904; on all metals from 1975).
A mark is a statement, not proof: it can be forged or struck on a plated piece. An assay confirms it (touchstone and acids, or X-ray fluorescence).
The stamp in detail
| Item | What the tables say |
|---|---|
| Stamp | rose |
| Class | Hallmark symbol |
| Date clue | Not before 1904. Sheffield has marked gold with the rose since 1904. |
Related stamps
Also in this group: lion passant, Britannia, leopard head, anchor, castle, crown, orb, sovereign head.
Frequently asked
What does rose mean on jewelry?
Rose: Sheffield Assay Office (on gold from 1904; on all metals from 1975).
Is the rose mark proof of the metal?
A mark is a statement, not proof: it can be forged or struck on a plated piece. An assay confirms it (touchstone and acids, or X-ray fluorescence).
Sources
All sources are listed with the method on the sources page.