Controversial proposals to change the hallmark system for items made out of precious metals are receiving wide condemnation from the jewellery industry, the BBC has reported.

Hallmarks - the symbols that prove the quality of precious metals such as platinum to consumers - have been used in Britain for around 700 years, but are now under threat following Italian proposals to introduce self-testing for the European jewellery trade.

The Italian plan would see the introduction of a Europe-wide kitemark, and the abolition of independent tests on the British model.

Michael Allchin, assay master for Birmingham, described the idea as a 'cheat's charter', and 'a potential disaster for the UK.'

As well as the implications for customers, Mr Alchin fears the jewellery industry would actually suffer if independent testing were discontinued:

'We're very concerned from a manufacturing point of view because it will enable cheap imports to come into the country.

'It undermines the manufacturing business and the trade as a whole.'

Mr Allchin said he was hoping a block vote of countries which have independent testing would prevent the plans from becoming law.