In article , "H. J. Corney"
writes:

any manufacturer of any nationality can
register a hall mark with the UK assay offices.

But I guess the bad Italian ones don't want to......?

Or maybe don't want to pay the fee? Unless Britain is less beaurocratic and
less tax/fee-crazy than her former colony, the costs may be prohibative,
especially if they also need to get ECC and/or Italian certification. And from
whatever other country demands its certification as a condition for imports.
Kaytee
"Simplexities" on
www.eclecticbeadery.com
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/simplexities