by Will Powell Introduction What do you think of when someone says, “Well, that’s his hallmark?” We use this expression to describe the most striking characteristic of a person—or of what they do. For example, “That had the hallmark of a world champion.” But word “hallmark” has its origins in identifying objects—particularly made of gold or silver—and whether they really were genuine. From AD 350 until today, hallmarks are used to stamp or laser inscribe these metals to  indicate their purity. It