It is the goal of HRI to help bring better understanding of precious metal hallmarks and hallmarking to countries that do not hallmark, encourage more acceptance of the hallmarking process through education, and provide useful reference materials that assist in the proper identification of hallmarks on gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. HRI strives to clearly explain the hallmarking systems of countries across the globe and, where possible, define this information within the appropriate historical context. The Institute's initial historical timeline concentrates primarily on the mid 19th century to date. 

HRI primary focus is on research.  Education is presently provided through lectures, hands-on workshops, exhibits, and through HRI's World Hallmark book series.  The first to be published is "World Hallmarks - Vol. I - Europe, 19th-21st Centuries" covering gold, silver, platinum, and palladium hallmarks of Europe.