Hallmark

Hallmark can refer to several related concepts:

• Hallmark (Company): A privately owned American company specializing in greeting cards, ornaments, and other related products. Founded in 1910, Hallmark is the largest greeting card manufacturer in the United States. Its products are sold worldwide. The company is also involved in television production through Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

• Hallmark (British Assay Mark): A series of official marks stamped on articles made of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) to guarantee their purity or fineness. These hallmarks are applied by an assay office and typically include the maker's mark, a fineness mark indicating the purity of the metal, an assay office mark identifying where the article was tested, and a date letter indicating the year of assaying. Hallmarking is a legal requirement in many countries, including the United Kingdom.

• Hallmark (Characteristic): A distinctive feature, trait, or characteristic, typically one indicating high quality or authenticity. The term is often used figuratively to describe defining attributes. For example, "Attention to detail is a hallmark of her work."

• Hallmark Channel: A television channel owned by Hallmark Cards, Inc., primarily broadcasting family-friendly programming including movies and series.

The specific meaning of "hallmark" depends on the context in which it is used.