What is an ingot in jewellery and metalwork?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
An ingot is a bar or brick formed by pouring molten precious metal into a mould and letting it solidify, creating a solid, standardised block ready for further processing. Gold, silver and platinum are all cast as ingots, and they are the starting point for much of the metal that ends up in jewellery: a jeweller or manufacturer will take an ingot, roll or draw it into sheet or wire, and then shape it into a finished piece. Ingots meant for investment are typically hallmarked with weight, purity and the refinery's mark.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between an ingot and a bullion bar?
- The terms are often used interchangeably. An ingot is the general term for any metal cast into a bar shape, while bullion refers specifically to precious metal valued by weight rather than by any numismatic or decorative premium. All bullion bars are ingots, but the word ingot is also used in jewellery making for small working bars.
- How do jewellers use ingots?
- A jeweller starts with a small ingot of gold or silver, rolls it through a rolling mill to create flat sheet of a specific thickness, or pulls it through a draw plate to make wire. These sheets and wires then become the raw material for rings, chains, settings and other components.
- Are gold ingots hallmarked?
- Investment-grade gold ingots from recognised refineries carry stamps indicating purity, weight and the producer's mark, which is what gives them their trusted value. Smaller working ingots used by jewellers may be less formally marked, though they are still purchased from reputable metal suppliers with assay certificates.
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