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Do jewelers mark their jewelry?
In the United States, the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906 required jewelers to include an accurate purity mark, which indicates the materials used in a given piece.
What does a stamped on jewelry mean?
On most quality jewelry, the specifications of your jewelry (like gold karat) will appear as a hallmark, or a stamp (or several) on the back or underside of the piece. Hallmarks connote the purity or fineness of the precious metals.
How do you find out what your jewelry is worth?
It is best to take your jewelry to a professional if you think you have jewelry worth money. A jeweler will tell you if your jewelry is genuine. They will also give you a dollar value for your piece. Reach out and ask us anything about finding a value for your jewelry.
Where can I find a maker’s mark in jewelry?
In France, historically, the Administration de la Garantie stored copper plates on which maker’s marks were stamped (by law) creating a record of the mark. At some point these were all destroyed, leaving us without this valuable historical reference.
What does it mean when jewelry has a mark on it?
Also called ‘Trademarks,’ they often provide the only evidence that a certain piece of jewelry has indeed been manufactured by a certain jewelry maker. When such marks are present, the jewelry item is said to be “signed” by the maker or manufacturer.
What kind of Mark is a maker’s Mark?
Maker’s mark: The maker’s mark is essentially a stamped quality control marker. The symbol can be either from the original crafter or from a firm/manufacturer tasked with guaranteeing the quality of the piece. Hallmark: A mark stamped on articles of mainly gold and silver, certifying their standard of purity
Why is it important to study jewelry maker’s marks?
The study of jewelry maker’s marks is a fascinating subject, steeped in history, culture, and art. Often overlooked due to their intentionally hidden location and diminutive size, the etchings found inscribed on a piece of modern or vintage jewelry offer a window into the “who, what, and where” of the piece – and are well worth a serious look.