Materials & Responsible Sourcing

Materials are central to the character, durability and integrity of every Sampson Mordan & Co.® piece. Precious metals, gemstones, pearls, enamel, leather, hardstones and vintage materials are selected and described with care, according to their beauty, suitability, longevity and ability to be worn, used, repaired and preserved over time.

Our approach is practical rather than promotional. We favour honest material descriptions, responsible sourcing where possible, careful craftsmanship, UK hallmarking where applicable, and long-term use over short-lived novelty.

1. Precious Metals

Sampson Mordan & Co. works with precious metals chosen for permanence, proportion, surface, weight and suitability for the object being made.

Depending on the piece, this may include sterling silver, gold, platinum or other precious metals. Product pages will state the material and fineness of each item where applicable.

Precious metals may naturally develop surface marks, patina, tarnish or signs of use over time. This is part of the life of an object and should be understood in relation to the material, finish, age and intended use of the piece.

2. Responsible Metal Sourcing

For new precious metal work, Sampson Mordan & Co. uses precious metals supplied through established European refining and bullion sources operating under recognised responsible-sourcing frameworks.

These frameworks are concerned with matters including:

• Responsible precious metal supply chains.
• Conflict-mineral due diligence.
• Human rights and labour standards.
• Environmental responsibility.
• Transparent refining and bullion practices.
• Precious metal quality and traceability.

Where appropriate, refined or recycled precious metals may be used. We avoid broad claims such as “fully sustainable” or “zero impact”, as precious metal sourcing is complex and should be described with precision.

3. Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is one of the defining materials of British jewellery, silver and object-making. It has strength, workability, brightness and a long tradition in both personal objects and works of use.

Sterling silver may tarnish naturally through contact with air, moisture, skin, perfume, leather, wool, rubber, chemicals or storage materials. Tarnish can often be cleaned carefully, but excessive polishing may soften detail, edges, engraving, hallmarks or original finish over time.

Where a silver item is vintage or antique, patina and age-related surface character may form part of its appeal and should not always be removed.

4. Gold

Gold is valued for its permanence, warmth, workability and resistance to corrosion. Sampson Mordan & Co. may work with different gold standards according to design, durability, colour and purpose.

Gold items should be protected from hard impact, abrasion, harsh chemicals and unnecessary pressure. Softer details, polished surfaces and raised edges may show signs of wear through use.

Where gold fineness is relevant, it will be stated on the product page. Precious metal items will be hallmarked where required by UK hallmarking law.

5. Platinum and Other Precious Metals

Where platinum or other precious metals are used, they will be selected for their particular strength, colour, density, finish and suitability for the design.

Product pages will describe the relevant metal and fineness where applicable. Care requirements may differ between metals, especially where a piece combines more than one material.

6. Hallmarking

Hallmarking is an important part of British precious metal standards. Where applicable, Sampson Mordan & Co. precious metal items are described and sold in accordance with UK hallmarking requirements.

A hallmark may identify the sponsor or maker, metal fineness, assay office and date information, depending on the period and the type of mark used.

Further information is available on our Sampson Mordan Hallmarks page.

7. Gemstones and Diamonds

Gemstones and diamonds are selected according to colour, character, cut, proportion, durability and suitability for the design.

Where origin, treatment, certification or other gemmological information is material to an item, it will be stated where known and where relevant. Not every stone, especially in vintage or antique pieces, will be accompanied by modern documentation.

Natural gemstones may vary in colour, clarity, inclusion pattern and appearance. Such variation is part of their character and should be considered when comparing pieces.

8. Pearls

Pearls are organic materials and should be treated with particular care. They may be affected by perfume, cosmetics, heat, dryness, moisture, chemicals and abrasion.

Pearls should be kept away from harsh cleaning agents and should be wiped gently after wear with a soft cloth. Vintage pearls may show age-related changes in lustre, surface, nacre or stringing.

9. Enamel, Hardstones and Decorative Materials

Enamel, hardstone and other decorative materials bring colour, surface and craft character to jewellery and objects, but they may require careful handling.

Enamel can chip, crack or be lost through impact. Hardstones may vary naturally in colour, veining and pattern. Decorative surfaces may be difficult or impossible to repair invisibly once damaged.

Product descriptions will note significant visible condition points where relevant.

10. Leather and Fitted Materials

Leather and fitted materials may be used for cases, linings, straps, presentation, small accessories or object details. They are selected according to grain, colour, finish, durability and suitability for purpose.

Leather should be protected from water, heat, oils, prolonged direct sunlight and harsh cleaning products. Vintage leather may show creasing, darkening, dryness, surface wear, marks or previous repair.

11. Vintage and Antique Materials

Vintage and antique pieces may contain materials, alloys, stones, linings, fittings or finishes that differ from modern production. Their age, patina, wear and previous repair can form part of their history.

Some older materials may be more delicate than their modern equivalents. Others may have been altered, restored, polished, repaired or combined with later components during their life.

Further guidance is available on our Authenticity & Condition page.

12. Packaging and Presentation

Packaging is selected to protect the item, present it appropriately and support long-term storage where possible.

As the house develops, packaging materials will be reviewed according to presentation, durability, protection and responsible material choices where practical.

13. Care, Repair and Longevity

Good materials deserve care. Jewellery, silver and objects should be worn, used and stored with attention to their construction and finish.

Where possible, we favour materials and methods that support repair, restoration and continued use. However, not every item can or should be restored, and in some cases preservation is more appropriate than alteration.

Further information is available on our Care & Repair page.

14. Material Descriptions on Product Pages

Each product page should be read carefully. Material descriptions, dimensions, weights, hallmarks, condition notes and photographs form part of the overall description of the item.

For vintage and antique pieces, material information is provided according to visible evidence, hallmarks, testing where appropriate, available documentation and reasonable assessment at the time of listing.

If a material detail is important to your purchase, please contact our Client Care team before ordering.

For enquiries, please visit our Contact page.