A quality mark may be applied to a precious metal article by any method.

Where a quality mark is stamped, branded, engraved or imprinted on a precious metal article, any trademark on the article must be applied by the same method.

A Silver Filled Article is an article composed of an inferior base metal to the surface of which a covering or sheeting of silver has been soldered or sweated. In order to qualify for a Silver Filled quality mark:

• the silver must be at least of .925 quality; and
• this quality of silver must comprise at least 1/10 of the gross weight of the entire article

A Silver Plated Article is an article composed of any substance on the surface of which a layer or plating of silver is deposited or plated by means of a chemical, electrical, mechanical, or metallurgical process, or by means of a combination of any of these processes.

In order to qualify for a Silver Plated quality mark, the article must have applied to it, a silver plating of a minimum .925 quality.

Marks other than quality marks or trademarks may be applied to precious metal articles, such as:

• numerals intended to identify the article or pattern which are not calculated to mislead or deceive;
• the name or initials of a dealer, provided it will not be confused with a quality mark; and
• any other mark not calculated to mislead or deceive.

A Silver Filled article of minimum .925 quality in which the weight of the silver comprises at least 1/10th of the gross weight of the entire article, must fall within the following prescribed tolerances for the application of a quality mark:

• The weight of the silver must be at least 90 percent of the required silver in the article; or
• If the article has been engraved, brocaded, or diamond faceted, the weight of the silver must be at least 80 percent of the required silver in the article.

A Silver Plated article of minimum .925 quality has no legal tolerance provided for it.

An article which meets the quality requirement for Silver Filled may be marked:

• "silver filled".
• "S.F.".
• "doublé d'argent".

An article which meets the quality requirement for Silver Plated may be marked:

• "silver electroplate".
• "silver plate".
• "silver plated".
• "electro-plaqué d'argent".
• "plaqué d'argent".
• "S.P.".

With two exceptions, where a quality mark is applied to a precious metal article, the article must also bear a Canadian trademark which either is:

• currently registered with the Registrar of Trademarks in Canada; or
• in the process of being registered, with proof that a trademark application has been submitted which is acceptable to a minister.

For more information, including the publication, "A Guide To Trademarks", as well as an application form for a trademark, all correspondence should be addressed to:

An article which has a quality mark does not require a Canadian trademark if:

• the article is hallmarked in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom; or
• the article was quality marked in a foreign country under the laws of that country, and is accompanied with a government mark of that country which is recognized by the Department of Industry Canada.