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Gold Jewelry Hallmarking Secrets Revealed
We should be familiar with the BASIC hallmarks mentioned on
the website. It might pay you to read them again, just to bring
you up to speed and ensure you have grasped the principles. If
you have not yet had the chance to read them please go to the
website listed below.
Let's quickly remind ourselves where we should be regarding
Hallmarks.
The first three marks mentioned before were:
1: The Makers mark
2: The Assay Office mark
3: The Quality mark
And that brings us to the last mark...
4: The Date stamp.
Please note that more mistakes are made with this mark than
any other.
This is caused by two reasons.
The first: because 26 letters can only be used for 26 years (a
different one for each year, although they did use italics or
capitals for a change). So in order to extend their use, they
changed the shape of the stamp mark itself.
One series of 26 years may use a Shield shape, while the next
26 years may use a square shape with the corners trimmed off. Go
figure?
And second: because humans being humans, (and contrary to
common belief, Jewelers are Human), a manufacturer who lived in
Birmingham had to use one shape of stamp, while jewelers in
London had to use another shape.
All very good, you say, until a jeweler who USED to live in
London went to Birmingham to work and took all his old tools and
stamps with him, and couldn't be bothered (they cost money) to
buy a new set. So he used his old set....
Ahhh... Life is never simple.
However; and in general terms, if all else fails use common
sense.
As London was the Largest and most common stamp, you may find
a Birmingham mark with a slightly wrong date stamp, although the
date YEAR mark should be the same.
By using all of the marks together and taking into account the
wear and look of the item - plus what it is, you should get
fairly close to accurate.
If your still not sure, get a written valuation done with your
local professional Jewelry Appraiser, and use that piece of paper
as fact.
Even though YOU know, they are going through the same process
of 'Dating' it's still a little confusing. Plus it's not the only
form of Dating I get confused with...? And my plastic eyeglass
doesn't help at all....
Look out for these tips next time you're spying with your
eyeglass.
HALLMARKING TIPS #1:
In Circa 1821 the Leopard's Head Hallmark became 'Uncrowned'
In Circa 1891 Queen Victoria's head was no longer used in
Hallmarking. The major point is to use ALL of the Hallmarks, not
just the date letter. Also check the style of an item, as this
could give a clue to the period.
HALLMARKING TIPS #2:
As a general rule, Hallmarks should be assessed by going from
the 'Big Picture' to the 'Small Picture' or the particular date
in question.
For example: Date the article within a 25 year time span
first, as this can be calculated from the overall 'SHAPE' or
style of the stamp mark (Shield or Oval etc). Then go to the
actual 'Year' stamp mark.
Remember, these can sometimes be wrong, but if we are in the
ballpark, so to speak, we won't be too far out.
It is interesting to note that the expression 'Circa' or 'c'
actually means 'around'...
Silver imported into England carried the 'F' mark (for
Foreign) between 1883 - 1904.
HALLMARKING TIPS #3:
It is helpful if we can remember some of the more important
changes to Hallmarking and just how that effected Quality.
For example: The quality of Hallmarked Gold can give us a clue
regarding its age. Items of 22ct stamped with the 'Lion passant'
were made up to 1844. After that date items were stamped 22ct
with a 'Crown' hallmark.
HALLMARKING TIPS #4:
UKHM stands for the United Kingdom Hall Marks and has been in
existence since 1300. Yes... 1300!
The basic marks are:
The Assay Mark which indicated the 'Guarantee of Quality'.
The Origin Mark which shows WHERE it was Assayed.
The Duty Mark to confirm 'Tax' had been paid.
The Maker's Mark to indicate the company or individual who
made the item.
The Date Mark based on the letters of the Alphabet, changing
each year.
The Assay year was NOT a Calendar year as it began (as for
London) in May. That means it covered TWO Calendar years.
There are several other SPECIAL REPORTS available through our
eMail-on-Demand subscription box at the website, so please take
some time to visit.
There is a timely warning on Security issues. It's good
advice, plus there is some great tips on Investing in Jewelry,
Insurance guidelines and other notes on selling, Hallmarking tips
etc, and they are being added to all the time.
And the best bit is they are FREE....
Thank you for taking the time to read this special report. If
you thought it interesting, useful or found it helped you in any
way I would appreciate your comments via email at the address
shown below.
This is my personal email address and I read every comment -
good or bad.
Alternatively: why not pass it on to a friend. I'm sure you
can think of someone who might benefit from this useful
information. Treat it as doing me a big favor. I will certainly
appreciate it.
Thank you. As usual....
Take care and watch the road.
Kind regards.
David Foard F.G.A.A.
President gemologist/valuer at the Online Jewelry Appraisal
Center.
P.S. There are many other complimentary Reports available to
you at our website, or if you haven't yet done so, you may like
to subscribe to our email-on-demand Newsletters - the Antique
Jewelry Guide - full of Hints - Tips - Secrets and Articles in
every issue.
About The Author
David Foard is retired ("Ha..." he laughs). He is working
harder now than at any time in his life, especially over the 30
years he spent in the Antique Jewelry Trade as a qualified
gemologist and member of the Valuers Council. Now he concentrates
on the three 'R's of 'Reading' Ritin' and re-ritin articles,
courses and producing free reports and information at his
website.
Get all the info now by going to http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com
and follow the links at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center.
[email protected]
 MORE RESOURCES updated Sat. September / 30 / 2023
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