A hallmark is a pattern that is applied to a piece of metal or leather by means of embossing. Using what is known as a hallmarking iron, the desired mark is usually impressed by hand on the material, deforming it rather than removing it. If consistent shapes are to be applied to the substrate, then the hallmarking is done with the help of prefabricated stamps, which then transfer the motif depicted on it as a negative. Gold, silver and other precious metal ingots are usually hallmarked with specific information so that they can be precisely identified and a statement can be made about their quality. Hallmarking can therefore be used to indicate on a gold bar, for example, how high the fineness of the metal is, who produced it and when it was cast as an ingot. Hallmarking on metal is also possible as an ornament, however, so that jewellery can be provided with patterns using fine hallmarking tools. Continuous lines, rows of dots and ornaments are possible in this way.
