How do you identify a Makers Mark?

How do you identify a Makers Mark?

The maker’s mark will always be unique. It should have the initials within a shield. The maker’s mark will never be “recycled” even if it falls out of use. The maker’s mark bears the initials of the maker in a shield approved and registered at the assay office.

What do the letters stamped on jewelry mean?

Each number stands for the percentage of purity of gold, platinum, and silver. For gold, the stamps are 375, 585, 750, 916, 990 and 999. For silver, the stamps are 800,925,958 and 999. For platinum, the stamps are 850, 900, 950 and 999.

How do you identify gold markings?

The 3-digit stamp sequence generally gets identified as follows:

1. 999.9 or 999 – 24 karat gold.
2. 995.
3. 990 – 23 karats.
4. 916, 917 – 22 karat gold.
5. 833 – 20 karats.
6. 750 – 18 karats.
7. 625 – 15 karat gold.
8. 585, 583, 575 – 14 karats.

How do you identify gold jewelry markings?

What markings are on white gold?

Stampings and Markings If you find a marking that contains the letters PT, Pt or Plat, you have found an item that is made of platinum. If you see a karat marking like K or k, usually accompanied by a number, the item is made of white gold.

What are the sterling silver markings?

Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling. Any mark indicating a higher silver content, such as 950, would also qualify as sterling.

What does a maker mark on gold jewelry mean?

The gold jewelry’s maker’s mark represents that mark that shows the brand or person behind that piece of jewelry. It was an important mark traditionally because it would mean easy recognition of who made the jewelry, especially if any kind of problem-related to the jewelry arises.

Is there a database for jewelry maker’s marks?

At some point these were all destroyed, leaving us without this valuable historical reference. The Antique Jewelry University has an extensive Jewelry Maker’s Marks Database to which new marks are added every week. You can help build this database by sending in images and information to [email protected].

How old does jewelry have to be to have a maker’s Mark?

Jewelry Maker’s Marks: A Brief History To be considered an antique, a piece of jewelry must be 100 years or older, while vintage jewelry must be more than 20 years old to be classified as such. “Retro” jewelry refers to pieces made during the 1940s and ‘50s and are characterized by the use of large and colorful gemstones.

How are maker’s marks assigned to registered Goldsmiths?

In some countries, Italy for instance, official maker’s marks are assigned to registered goldsmiths and their use overseen by a body like the Chamber of Commerce. Sometimes a goldsmith’s maker’s marks evolve over time and knowing which mark was used when helps the jewelry historian or appraiser accurately dating an item.