Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about sterling silver jewellery, hallmarking, imports, and business operations
Do I need a UK hallmark on sterling pieces under 7.78 g?
No—any silver article weighing 7.78 g or less is exempt from mandatory hallmarking in the UK.
What extra cost and time does hallmarking add?
You can expect an additional fee of around £5–£10 per item, with standard processing taking about five working days (faster options incur surcharges).
Which Assay Office is quickest for small batches?
Birmingham's express service can turn around items within 24 hours, while London's usual lead-time is about five business days.
Is pre-1950 silver exempt?
Yes—genuine vintage silver made before 1 January 1950 that never carried a hallmark at the time remains exempt today.
What VAT and duties apply on imports from India post-Brexit?
You'll pay 20% import VAT on the total landed cost; standard customs duty on sterling silver jewellery is zero under the UK Global Tariff.
How does the India–UK FTA affect sourcing?
With 0% duty on silver jewellery from India, your landed costs drop—improving margins and price competitiveness.
How can I avoid port delays for small consignments?
Lodge your declarations early, keep paperwork flawless, work with a specialist customs broker, and consider less congested ports.
What's a realistic MOQ for OEM sterling suppliers?
Most quality manufacturers ask for 30–50 pieces per design, though some ready-made lines come with no minimum order.
Do UK buyers know RJC or Fairtrade Silver labels?
These certifications bolster ethical claims, but general consumer awareness is low—pair them with clear storytelling or more familiar eco-marks.
Bench-jeweller wages are rising—how to stay competitive?
Boost efficiency with CAD/3D printing, outsource routine tasks, negotiate bulk-labour rates, and offer premium add-ons.
How to react faster to TikTok micro-trends?
Use rapid prototyping (e.g. 3D-printed samples), small-batch pre-orders or flash drops to shorten your design-to-market cycle.
Should I hedge against silver price swings?
Yes—forward contracts or metal options can lock in costs and protect your margins during volatility.
How much stock for seasonal peaks?
Hold roughly 1.5–2 months of average weekly sales before Christmas and Valentine's, then adjust after each event.
Who pays return postage for resized rings?
Retailers usually cover return shipping for resizing to keep the customer happy.
Does local resizing void hallmark or warranty?
No—if resizing is done by a registered assay office or approved bench, hallmarks and warranties stay valid.
How to curb rising chargebacks in fine jewellery?
Implement address verification, require delivery signatures, steer clear of higher-risk payment methods, and offer instalment plans.
Is it safe to market demi-fine as "waterproof"?
Only if you have independent test results; otherwise, call it "water-resistant" and include care guidelines.
How can independents compete on price & shipping?
Differentiate with bespoke services, flat-rate express delivery, and loyalty perks—focus on experience rather than undercutting giants.
Which local events still drive footfall?
Artisan pop-ups, co-hosted workshops, and intimate trunk shows remain effective at drawing customers in.
GBP-only vs multi-currency display?
Show pricing in multiple currencies online to reduce cart abandonment, but invoice in GBP for simpler accounting.
Standard warranty for demi-fine pieces?
Typically 6–12 months, with longer coverage available as an optional upsell.
What gold-vermeil thickness lasts daily wear?
Aim for at least 2–3 µm of gold plating over silver plus an e-coat to withstand everyday use.
Outsource repairs or build in-house bench capacity?
Outsource low-volume or specialised work, and bring repairs in-house only if volume justifies the investment.
Etsy vs Shopify: which is better?
Etsy gives instant marketplace traffic and low startup costs; Shopify offers full brand control and higher repeat margins—many brands use both.
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