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MATERIALS & HALLMARKING

Effective Date: 9 August 2025

INFORMATIONAL NOTICE: Materials and markings are provided as described below and may not be customised. For purchasing terms, see the TERMS OF SALE. For intellectual property, see DESIGNS & IP.

1. SCOPE

This page describes the materials commonly used in AURICLE jewellery and how UK hallmarking applies. It covers products sold on auricle.co.uk and auriclejewelry.com and items supplied via our standard trade channels.

2. MATERIALS

2.1 14K GOLD (AU 585)

  • Nominal fineness 585/1000.
  • May be offered in yellow, rose, or white gold finishes.
  • White gold: surface appearance may involve rhodium finishing. Normal, gradual wear of surface finishes can occur with use and care conditions.

2.2 TITANIUM (IMPLANT-CONTACT PARTS)

  • Where stated on the product page, components that pass through the skin (e.g., labret posts/bars/backs) are specified and tested for conformity with ASTM F136 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI surgical implant alloy) or the equivalent ISO 5832-3 standard.
  • Note: ASTM F136 and ISO 5832-3 are material specifications/standards, not material names. They define chemical composition and mechanical properties for Ti-6Al-4V ELI used in surgical implants.
  • Titanium is not a precious metal under UK hallmarking law (see §4).

2.3 PVD COATINGS (ON TITANIUM)

  • Some titanium parts may use PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) for colour (e.g., gold tone).
  • PVD is durable but not permanent; wear varies with abrasion, chemicals, skin pH, and handling.

2.4 NICKEL & ALLERGIES

  • Items intended for prolonged skin contact are designed to comply with the EN 1811 nickel-release limits.
  • Sensitivities vary by individual; no material is universally “hypoallergenic.”

2.5 TESTING & VERIFICATION (TITANIUM)

  • AURICLE tests the backs/labret posts (the parts that go through the skin) against the ASTM F136 criteria (and references ISO 5832-3) as applicable.
  • Other titanium jewellery is randomly selected for testing on a periodic basis.
  • For product-specific questions, contact info@auricle.co.uk before ordering.

For care and handling, follow any guidance on the product page. Contact info@auricle.co.uk with material queries before ordering.

3. MIXED-MATERIAL PRODUCTS

Jewellery may combine gold elements and non-precious components (e.g., gold decorative fronts with titanium backs/bars). Descriptions on product pages identify the relevant parts and materials. Where mixed materials are used, hallmarking applies only to the precious-metal parts (see §4).

4. UK HALLMARKING (SUMMARY)

4.1 WHEN HALLMARKING APPLIES

Under the UK Hallmarking Act, articles described as precious metal must be hallmarked by a UK Assay Office when they exceed statutory weight thresholds (examples):

  • Gold: items over 1.0 g require a hallmark.
  • Items at or below the threshold are exempt from compulsory hallmarking.

4.2 WHAT A UK HALLMARK INCLUDES

Where applied, a UK hallmark typically includes:

  • Sponsor’s mark (registered responsibility mark),
  • Fineness mark (e.g., 585 for 14K), and
  • Assay Office mark (e.g., London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh).
    A date letter may be used at the Assay Office’s discretion.

4.3 TINY PARTS & LASER MARKS

Due to the small size of body jewellery, the hallmark may be:

  • Laser-applied on a suitable surface, or
  • Omitted where the item is below the legal weight threshold or technically unsuitable for marking.
    Where only part of a mixed-material article is precious metal, the hallmark appears on that precious-metal part if feasible.

4.4 TITANIUM & OTHER NON-PRECIOUS METALS

Titanium components are not hallmarked (not precious metal under UK law). Where a product includes both precious and non-precious parts, the hallmark, if any, relates to the precious-metal portion only.

5. COLOUR & DISPLAY DISCLAIMER

Display characteristics vary by device and screen type. Colour and finish in real life may differ from on-screen images. See SHIPPING & DELIVERY POLICY and RETURNS / FAULTY GOODS POLICY (B2B) for fulfilment and defect handling.

6. CHANGES

Materials specifications and marking practices may be updated as manufacturing methods evolve or legislation changes. Updates take effect when posted on this page.

7. CONTACT

Material or hallmarking enquiries: info@auricle.co.uk
Company details: COMPANY INFORMATION Terms: TERMS OF SALE · TERMS OF SERVICE

Version: 09.08.2025