Understanding UK Gold Hallmarks: A Comprehensive Guide

Question
Hi Steven,
I recently bought a gold brooch in the UK and it only bears a 9ct hallmark. I got used to English silver hallmarks with an assay office stamp, maker's mark etc, and I'm a bit confused now not seeing anything similar on the gold item. I couldn't find any relevant info on the internet, can you possibly share a useful link or advise on the UK gold hallmark system? I'm particularly wondering why there's no any assay office mark. Does it give any idea about the age of the item? It's in an early Art Deco design and with an old clasp, but without a date letter I'm not sure about the age. Can it be a sort of mass-produced item that did not have full hallmarks?
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Leah

Answer
Hi Leah, Sounds to me like the company/person making the item was a small player who did want to conform to the expensive UK enrollment system and just produced items for limited consumption. An artisan perhaps or hobbiest, otherwise it still sounds nice enough though. You might want to take the item to a good local appraiser for positive ID and further piece of mind. Good luck.

Steve Kretser