The Dublin Assay Office
Hallmarked in Dublin. Guaranteed Authentic.
Every Sheodra piece in silver, gold or platinum is independently tested and hallmarked by the Dublin Assay Office, one of the world's oldest, in Dublin Castle since 1637. That tiny stamp is your proof the precious metal is real.
Shop Irish JewelleryIndependently tested purity · Official Irish hallmark since 1637 · 30-day returns
A Heritage of Trust
What Is the Dublin Assay Office?
The prestigious Dublin Assay Office, housed in Dublin Castle in Ireland, was established in 1637, making it one of the oldest assay offices in the world.
It is the official body responsible for testing and hallmarking precious metals in Ireland. Before a piece can carry its mark, the metal is independently analysed to confirm it meets the exact purity standard claimed.
For Sheodra, this office has been the guarantor of quality since the very beginning of our family business. When you see the Dublin hallmark, you are looking at almost four centuries of impartial expertise standing behind your jewellery.
At a Glance
Your Buyer Protection
What the Hallmark Guarantees You
A hallmark is not decoration. It is an independent, legally recognised promise about the metal you are paying for.
Independently Tested Purity
The Assay Office analyses the metal itself, not our word for it. The fineness is verified before any mark is struck.
Genuine Gold, Silver or Platinum
The hallmark confirms the precious metal is real and meets its stated standard, so you know exactly what you are wearing.
Centuries of Trust
Backed by an impartial institution operating since 1637, the mark carries authority that no in-house claim ever could.
Read It Yourself
How to Read an Irish Hallmark
Look closely at a hallmarked Sheodra piece and you will find a small set of marks. Each one tells you something specific. Here is what they mean.
The Sponsor's Mark
Also called the maker's mark, this identifies who submitted the piece for hallmarking. It traces your jewellery back to a known, registered source.
The Standard, or Fineness, Mark
A number showing the exact purity of the metal, for example 925 for sterling silver or 750 for 18-karat gold. This is the independently verified quality of the precious metal.
The Hibernia Mark
The seated figure of Hibernia is the proud signature of the Dublin Assay Office itself. It confirms your piece was tested and hallmarked in Ireland.
The Date Letter
A single letter that records the year the piece was hallmarked, giving every item its own point in time and a permanent record of when it was assayed.
Our Commitment to You
Every Sheodra Piece Is Hallmarked
"Every silver, gold or platinum piece in the Sheodra collection is hallmarked and guaranteed authentic by the experts at this historic Assay Office."
We do not cut corners on the one thing that matters most: the metal itself. From the very beginning of our family business, the Dublin Assay Office has been our guarantor of quality, and that has never changed.
When your jewellery arrives, that hallmark is your independent assurance that what you bought is exactly what we promised. Real precious metal, tested by an impartial authority, ready to be treasured.
Shop Hallmarked Irish JewelleryCommon Questions
Hallmarking FAQ
Quick, honest answers to the questions our customers ask most about Irish hallmarks.
What does it mean that my jewellery is hallmarked?
It means the metal has been independently tested by the Dublin Assay Office and confirmed to meet its stated purity standard. The hallmark is a legally recognised guarantee that your gold, silver or platinum is genuine, not just a claim from the seller.
Where is the Dublin Assay Office, and how old is it?
It is housed in Dublin Castle in Ireland and was established in 1637, making it one of the oldest assay offices in the world. It is the official body responsible for testing and hallmarking precious metals in Ireland.
Is every Sheodra piece hallmarked?
Yes. Every silver, gold or platinum piece in the Sheodra collection is hallmarked and guaranteed authentic by the experts at the Dublin Assay Office. The Assay Office has been our guarantor of quality from the very beginning of our family business.
Where do I find the hallmark on my piece?
Hallmarks are usually struck in a discreet spot, such as the inside of a ring band, the back of a pendant or the post of an earring. You will find a small group of marks: the sponsor's mark, the standard or fineness mark, the Hibernia mark of the Dublin Assay Office, and a date letter.
Does hallmarking affect how long my order takes?
Hallmarking is part of how we guarantee your piece, and the making time shown on each product page already accounts for the full process. Once your jewellery is finished and dispatched from Dublin, it is on its way to you, tested and hallmarked.
Buy With Confidence
Shop Hallmarked Irish Jewellery
Real gold, silver and platinum, independently tested and stamped with the Dublin hallmark. Find the piece that is meant for you.
Handcrafted in Ireland, hallmarked in Dublin, and guaranteed authentic.