Typically, you'll find metal content stamps near the clasp on necklaces and bracelets, on the inside surface of rings, and on the backs of earrings, pi… Whether you're interested in fine jewelry or fun costume pieces, you'll notice that nearly every item in your jewelry collection has markings on it. Additionally, a boar’s head was the mark of the Paris assay office, while offices outside the capital city used a crab emblem.Since gold, silver, and branded jewelry are highly sought-after, encountering fake jewelry is always a risk that collectors need to keep in mind. Additionally, a boar’s head was the mark of the Paris assay office, while offices outside the capital city used a crab emblem. Any piece of British jewelry made prior to 1999 was required to include what is known as a date letter stamp, a letter corresponding to the year that it was registered with the assay office. Typically, you'll find metal content stamps near the clasp on necklaces and bracelets, on the inside surface of rings, and on the backs of earrings, pins, and brooches. Many jewelry marks represent the metal content of the piece. Understanding the metal content of your piece can help you make sure you get the quality for which you're paying.

Iconic jewelry maker Tiffany & Co., for example, has featured several maker’s marks throughout their 179-year history, including “Tiffany & Co.” and “T & Co.” Special edition , Paloma Picasso, Jean Schlumberger, and Elsa Peretti also bear their respective designers’ signatures.With antique and vintage pieces, French jeweler and watchmaker adhered to several guidelines set forth by the French government. One of the compulsory marks is the Assay Office Mark, a symbol which indicates the regional office that hallmarked the item. Typically, you'll find engravings on the back or underside of the jewelry, and they'll take the form of a message, name, or date. Denmark Three Towers (82.6% or higher) European Free Trade Symbol of Scales with 925. Often, this mark is near the metal content stamp. Vintage ring with maker's mark and platinum marking Please help us improve. In fact, according to the You may notice the following metal stamps or markings on your jewelry: It's also common to see other marks on jewelry. If jewelry is marked with “Vermeil,” it is a piece of sterling silver topped off with gold plating.Sterling Silver, 18KT Gold, and Amethyst Earrings, Tiffany & Co.When considering platinum jewelry, the purity mark “950” denotes a composition of 95 percent platinum with a mix of other metal alloys, while “900” is made up of 90 percent platinum, and “850” has 85 percent platinum.Maker’s marks may include logos, trademarks, company names, and designer signatures to specify who made the jewelry. Depending on the era of the piece, the maker’s mark either reads “Van Cleef & Arpels” or the letters “VCA.”Aside from purity and maker’s marks, some jewelry will also bear symbols and letters, particularly hallmarks, inscribed on it. Austria Loth symbol and number 13 (813/1000) or Diana Portrait with Number 1-4. These pieces also generally display the karat fineness of the gold. There are thousands of different jewelry companies, so there are nearly endless variations to the maker's marks you may encounter. While there are countless jewelry marks to know, additional resources for collectors include the which is well documented and covers a wide range of estate jewelry, is also an excellent reference guide for further detail about specific markings. A piece of jewelry with an etching that reads “18k” or “750” indicates that it is made up of 75 percent gold, while a “14k” or “585” mark indicates the metal is constructed with 58.5 percent gold.Get the latest stories, price guides and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.Update your email preferences at any time. Simply look up the number online at the While many jewelry marks are present at the time the jewelry is manufactured, that's not always the case.