Items containing the precious metal palladium could soon be given an official stamp in order to confirm the palladium content, it has been reported.

According to the London Assay Office, discussions are being held that could result in palladium being added to an exclusive list of metals which receive a hallmark.

Marking the content of certain metals in an item is designed to give consumers a guarantee of the precious metal included within it.

Speaking to Reuters, Robert Organ, superintendent assayer at the Assay Office London, said: "Hallmarking palladium is being discussed between the Assay Offices, the British Hallmarking Council, the government and within the trade itself.

"There's been a big increase, especially in China, in the use of palladium for jewellery and the Assay Offices and jewellers themselves are seeing a lot of interest," he added.

Platinum jewellery and other platinum items are already issued with a special hallmark. Palladium, which is in the platinum family of precious metals, could soon follow suit.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd