Vintage Platinum Jewelry Hallmarks

The study of jewelry maker s marks is a fascinating subject steeped in history culture and art.

Vintage platinum jewelry hallmarks.

A lot of jewelry will have several stamps or marks. Although the study of hallmarks serves as a wonderful research avocation to many involved in the antiques trade a trained professional can and should put such a desired object. In a marks list database one might find an array of hallmarks and maker s marks plus information regarding the date and place of origin and the makeup and composition of the piece too. Hallmarks and maker s marks help identify the origin of antique and period platinum rings.

Identifying this mark is the first step in determining the value of a piece of jewelry. Maker s marks are the initials or name of the manufacturing firm or other representative symbol stamped into a gold silver or platinum. The most encountered hallmark on jewelry is undoubtedly the purity mark which indicates the total amount of gold or silver used to manufacture a coveted jewel. Also called trademarks they often provide the only evidence that a certain piece of jewelry has indeed been manufactured by a certain jewelry maker.

Use the number marks on gold jewelry to learn more about it. Gold jewelry will often have different numbers inscribed or etched in them to signify the metal s karat content. If the jewelry is marked 10k that s. American jewelry is often marked by karat stamped into the inside of a ring or bracelet on the edge of earrings or the back of a charm.

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. Silver jewelry marks learn to identify and date antique and vine jewelry maker s marks a collector jewelry maker s marks identification gold st makers marks c replays and things antique and vine jewelry maker s marks a collector. Look for a number followed by k for example 12k using a loupe or magnifying glass. They are expressed with numbers symbols letters or a combination thereof stamped impressed or struck on platinum to indicate its fineness according.

Vintage jewelry from other countries may have european purity marks such as 585 for 14k gold and 750 for 18k gold as shown in the photo below. Hallmarks can offer further information about the place of origin date of manufacture and metal content. The purity mark can be accompanied by a second mark called a maker s mark or a jeweller s stamp. Often there is one stamp to indicate the purity of the gold 14k as mentioned above.

These are custom stamps or engravings placed in jewelry by whomever manufactured it.