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.

gemmo1@jewellery-antiques.com

---

Starting A Coin Collection

The best place to start collecting would be with pennies,... Read More

Woodworking: Protection When Working With Wood - Ignoring Could Potentially Harm Your Health Or Kill

Woodworking: Basic Safety TipsWoodworking can be a dangerous undertaking if... Read More

Endless Possibilites With Custom Printed Lanyards

Custom printed lanyards are an extremely popular item and are... Read More

The Nuts and Bolts of Vintage Tin Toys

Before Game Boy and Play Station, there were tin toys.... Read More

Embroidery Machine Use by New Owners for Good Results

Many new home embroidery machine owners have to learn on... Read More

How to Make Your Civil War Uniform Shirt

Your own shirt designed and made by you for your... Read More

Candle Maintenance

Many people don't know that you can actually improve the... Read More

Scrapbooking Ideas for Kids

Many times at auctions, or estate sales, a box of... Read More

Scrapbooking on a Budget

Memories are priceless, but the cost of preserving them can... Read More

Are Your Collectibles Valuable? Heres How to Find Out

The first thing you will need to do is check... Read More

Patterning and Spacing in Your Scrapbooks

How can you arrange your scrapbook page to best show... Read More

Molding Leather Armor

In order to mould leather armor, soak it in water... Read More

A Look at Cloisonné Lapel Pins

Cloisonné lapel pins are the most traditional, if not the... Read More

Rubber Stamps : 10 Great Tips For Making Multiple Cards

You know the feeling. The kids have tons of demands,... Read More

Working With Leather

This can be as simple & basic Or advanced &... Read More

Easy Crafts for Kids - Help with Learning

According to the research on child cognitive development, making use... Read More

Make A Stunning Dried Hydrangea Wreath

Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile in a... Read More

4 Fun Ways to Display Photos

From baby pictures to vacation pictures, images of family and... Read More

You Are A Diamond So Scrapbook About Yourself

As a devoted scrapper, you probably gain satisfaction from scrapbooking... Read More

Money Making Hobbies - Which Ones?

Which ones can be money making hobbies? A friend made... Read More

Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 2

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 2 - Tools For... Read More

Why Chainmaille Jewelry Craft

Jewelry is very prevalent, but jewelry that directly compliments your... Read More

Comic Book Supplies, Necessities of the Serious Collector

If you want to keep your comic book collection in... Read More

How to Make Sea Shell Candles

Collecting sea shells along the beach is a favorite kids... Read More

Use Newspaper Clippings, Graphics, Kids Art, and Clipart to Enhance Your Scrapbook

A popular addition to scrapbook pages is newspaper clippings. Newspaper... Read More

The Wonderful Art of Bonsai

The potential for enjoyment of Bonsai trees is enormous. These... Read More

How To Create A Collage Journal

Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way... Read More

Embroidery Stabilizing for Machine Embroidering

Here are some tips to get good results with your... Read More

Cleaning Silk Bouquets In 3 Simple Steps

How To Clean A Silk BouquetA Silk bouquet can last... Read More

History of Kokeshi Wooden Dolls from Japan

Little is known of the early history of Kokeshi Japanese... Read More

Scrapbooking Those Memories!

You will find scrapbook supplies for photos and pictures in... Read More

Stress-Free Scrapbook Journaling Ideas

Do you find it intimidating when you come to journal... Read More

Antiques From Europe...Is It Really The Goose That Layed the Golden Egg?

Many dealers and auctioneers have been bringing container loads of... Read More