Silver hallmarks in Switzerland

At a glanceIn Switzerland, the control of precious metals is managed by OFAM (Federal Institute of Metrology) via its cantonal control offices. Any piece of jewelry or precious metal article sold must bear the regulatory hallmarks.

Legal Hallmarks for Silver: The purity hallmark indicates the minimum guaranteed content — '925' for sterling, '800' for European standard silver, '999' for fine silver bars. The guarantee hallmark (mark of the Control Office) certifies that the assay has been performed correctly.

Swiss Historical Symbols: Before 1973, 800‰ silver bore a Bacchus head (old standard). Since 1973, the millesimal system ('800', '925' figures) is standardized internationally by the Vienna Convention.

Maker's Mark Hallmark: In addition to purity, every manufacturer must apply their maker's mark (initials or symbol). This allows full traceability of the piece back to the original workshop — legally important in case of a dispute.

For Imported Objects: Silver jewelry imported from a non-signatory country of the Convention (e.g., Thailand, India) must be presented to the cantonal control office for analysis and hallmarking before marketing in Switzerland. New arrivals from e-commerce platforms are subject to the same rules.