What is a hallmark?

Answer 1

Hallmarks were created hundreds of years ago by the great European guilds of silversmith & goldsmiths.

In Great Britain each hallmark, usually applied to the bottom of an individual object, contains a trio of information that identifies the silversmith personally, his guild and the year of his creation.

The item itself didn't have to be assayed since the silversmith and his guild were absolutely trusted.

British guilds existed in a number of cities such as London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, also in Edinburgh and Dublin, and each of these guilds has an individual hallmark component within the trio.

In the 19th century, as wealth increased in the rapidly-growing middle class, hallmarks were often faked. A knowledgeable antique dealer specializing in silver can easily detect fakes, and quite often an amateur lover of silver can also.

The word hallmark eventually came to be used as a generic indicator of high quality.

http://www.925-1000.com/british_marks.html

ps: as a journalist I wouldn't use the word hallmark in the phrase "dramatic flourishes which are the ... " of a lawyer's style. I'd use the word "trademark."

Answer 2

A hallmark is an official marking made by a trusted party, 'guardians of the craft' or nowadays by an assay office, on items made of precious metals (platinum, gold and silver) that guarantees a certain purity of the metal. This should not be confused with a marking, often just a number such as 925, which is done voluntarily by the manufacturer, and unfortunately does not always reflect the true purity of the metal. A hallmark is only applied after the item has been assayed to determine its purity. Often the hallmark is made up of several elements including: the type of metal, the maker and the year of the marking.

Merriam-Webster also defines the metaphorical use of hallmark as: "a distinguishing characteristic, trait, or feature ".

Answer 3

A mark indicating quality or excellence.

A mark used in England to stamp gold and silver articles that meet established standards of purity.

A conspicuous feature or characteristic: “The sense of guilt is the hallmark of civilized humanity” (Theodor Reik).

Answer 4

Everything has its hallmark..it a mark with many black lines..every item has a unique one..its for the identity of the producct

Answer 5

To be a hallmark is to be the best there is.

Answer 6

a mark stamped on articles of gold, silver, or platinum by the British assay offices, certifying their standard of purity.

Answer 7

a horrible television channel..:P