Edinburgh Assay Office (EAO) Launches Hallmarking 2.0 for Integration with Digital Product Passports

03 Sep 2025

The Edinburgh Assay Office (EAO), one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted consumer protection institutions, today announced the launch of Hallmarking 2.0.

Hallmarking Enters the Digital Age with Blockchain-Enabled ‘Hallmarking 2.0’

A groundbreaking proof-of-concept project is bringing hallmarking into the digital era by integrating it with blockchain traceability programs and Digital Product Passports. Through the creation of a unique physical and digital identifier at the point of hallmarking, each hallmark can now be securely linked to a comprehensive digital record. This innovation enables full chain-of-custody tracking—from raw materials to the finished piece in the consumer’s hands—transforming hallmarking into a powerful tool for transparency and trust.

At the core of Hallmarking 2.0 is its integration with the Digital Product Passport powered by Everledger. This blockchain-based, independently verified ‘digital twin’ of each product records key details throughout its journey. Alongside traditional hallmarks, a unique identifier is applied to the item and simultaneously uploaded to its blockchain record. At the point of purchase, consumers receive a QR code granting access to their product’s Digital Product Passport, which is securely transferred to them at sale.

With a simple scan, customers unlock the full story of their jewellery through independently verified data, including:

• Origin verification of precious metals, with growing support for ethical sourcing standards such as Fairmined
• Comprehensive gemstone and diamond records, integrating data from leading certification bodies (GIA, Gübelin, GCAL, IGI) covering origin, cut, clarity, carat weight and certification details
• Hallmarking details, including high-resolution renders of the hallmark and precise metal weights
• Retailer environmental and social impact disclosures, including energy sourcing, manufacturing practices and social responsibility initiatives
• Product safety compliance information

This immutable, asset-level digital twin provides consumers with reliable facts about their purchase while offering new benefits for the industry, including enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures, streamlined resale, and improved recovery of stolen goods. Verified product attributes stored on-chain also pave the way for automated insurance valuations tied to industry benchmarks.

The proof-of-concept pilot launches in partnership with PureJewels by Bhanji Gokaldas, a fourth-generation London jeweller specialising in 22ct gold. Its newly released Lotus Collection will be the first jewellery line to feature Hallmarking 2.0.

Jayant Raniga, CEO of Purejewels, said,

"At Purejewels by Bhanji Gokaldas, we view hallmarking as more than a symbol of purity. It is a promise of provenance. As jewellers rooted in heritage craftsmanship, we welcome Hallmarking 2.0 as a progressive step that strengthens transparency, reinforces trust, and affirms the responsibility of our supply chains. It is an evolution that respects tradition while embracing innovation."

Leanne Kemp, Founder and CEO of Everledger, said,

"Digital Product Passports are transforming industries worldwide by making supply chains more transparent and accountable. Jewellery has a unique story to tell, and through Hallmarking 2.0, we are making that story visible and verifiable for every customer."

Scott Walter, CEO and Assay Master of Edinburgh Assay Office says, 

"Hallmarking has always been about traceability and trust. Hallmarking 2.0 builds on this tradition for today’s global market, where consumers want to understand the origin of their jewellery and its impact on the planet. When buying online, customers cannot physically check for a hallmark. Digital Product Passports address this by providing transparent, secure records of provenance—no one supply chain player has all the data. Partnering for traceability is essential and enables retailers to evidence credibility. This gives consumers assurance that their jewellery is genuinely hallmarked and responsibly sourced."

Hallmarking 2.0 is designed to support Digital Product Passports. It offers retailers an opportunity to build stronger relationships with increasingly conscious consumers, demonstrating a commitment to transparency in the digital age. EAO plan to move beyond this initial proof-of-concept stage before the end of 2025.

View Edinburgh Assay Office

Source: Edinburgh Assay Office