About Our Hallmarks

Types of Hallmarks

Name Stamp (Responsibility Mark)

The name stamp is a mandatory responsibility mark on gold and platinum items weighing one gram or more. It consists of the registered signature of the manufacturer or importer, unique to each company. To use this mark, it must be registered with SWEDAC, Sweden’s authority for accreditation and technical control.

The name stamp identifies the responsible company and guarantees that the manufacturer stands behind the product’s authenticity and quality. It must always appear together with a fineness mark (and, where applicable, the CCM mark).

Town Mark

The town mark indicates the place of manufacture or the importer’s registered location. It makes it possible to identify in which city a gold item was produced. Today, this mark is voluntary. Schalins does not use a town mark.

GR Stamp

This stamp is used exclusively by members of the Swedish Goldsmith Masters’ Association. It guarantees that the jewellery is handcrafted by a qualified goldsmith. The GR stamp symbolises craftsmanship, tradition, and that the piece meets correct carat standards for silver, gold, or platinum.

The Cat’s Paw

Schalins is proud to be among the few manufacturers that still use the Swedish hallmark known as the Cat’s Paw. Introduced in 1752, this control mark guarantees that the precious metal content is accurate.

The Cat’s Paw, shaped like a paw with three crowns, confirms that the gold has been independently tested by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden). RISE ensures that strict requirements regarding precious metal content are fulfilled. For you as a customer, this means full confidence in both quality and responsible production.

Fineness Mark

The fineness mark indicates the exact precious metal content of the jewellery, such as 18K for gold. It is mandatory on gold and platinum items and informs the customer of the precise purity level.

Common gold fineness marks include:

• 9K (375)
• 14K (585)
• 18K (750)

For platinum, the standard marking is 950.

Schalins platinum jewellery is stamped with Pt (the chemical designation for platinum) together with 950.

Year Mark

The year mark indicates the year of manufacture, represented by a unique letter or number for each year. Schalins does not currently use a year mark, although it can be found on older pieces.

CCM Mark (The Scale Mark)

The CCM mark is used in countries affiliated with the Precious Metals Convention. Shaped like a scale, it serves as an international guarantee of precious metal quality. This mark ensures that jewellery meets international standards and is recognised globally, particularly for export.

Summary of Hallmarks

• Name Stamp: Mandatory responsibility mark for gold and platinum over 1 gram
• Town Mark: Indicates place of manufacture (voluntary)
• GR Stamp: Used by members of the Swedish Goldsmith Masters’ Association
• Cat’s Paw: Swedish control mark guaranteeing correct precious metal content
• Fineness Mark: Indicates metal purity (e.g., 18K)
• Year Mark: Indicates year of manufacture
• CCM Mark: International guarantee of precious metal quality

Why Hallmarks Matter

Hallmarks play a crucial role in ensuring authenticity, traceability, and quality. For Schalins, they are not only a guarantee — they are part of our heritage and commitment to transparency.

Authenticity Guarantee
Hallmarks confirm that your jewellery contains the promised amount of precious metal.

Traceability
Name stamps enable identification of the responsible manufacturer.

Quality Assurance
Marks such as the Cat’s Paw and GR stamp ensure high craftsmanship standards.

International Recognition
The CCM mark allows jewellery to be recognised and accepted worldwide.

We are proud to combine tradition, transparency, and the highest standards of Swedish craftsmanship.

Visit www.schalins.com to explore our collection and learn more about our quality markings.

More About the Cat’s Paw

For Schalins, the Cat’s Paw is more than a symbol of precision and excellence — it is a guarantee of trust. Every piece of jewellery bearing the Cat’s Paw has undergone a rigorous control process where the precious metal content is independently verified. This means you can feel completely confident that your jewellery contains the correct amount of gold.

The Cat’s Paw is also part of Sweden’s rich craft heritage. By using this hallmark, we continue a centuries-old tradition of accuracy, responsibility, and quality. It reflects our commitment to creating jewellery that is not only beautiful, but made to the highest possible standard.

Another important aspect of the Cat’s Paw is its international recognition. Well known beyond Sweden’s borders, it is regarded as a reliable indicator of precious metal purity. This strengthens global confidence in our jewellery and assures customers worldwide that they are investing in authentic, high-quality pieces.

In an industry built on trust, the Cat’s Paw offers a level of transparency and security that few hallmarks can match. When you choose a Schalins piece marked with the Cat’s Paw, you choose jewellery that has been independently tested and approved according to strict standards.

In summary, the Cat’s Paw is more than a mark — it is a guarantee of quality, authenticity, and tradition. Schalins is proud to be among the few manufacturers who use this prestigious hallmark, reinforcing our dedication to excellence and customer confidence.

Choose a piece marked with the Cat’s Paw — and experience the difference true craftsmanship makes.