Antique Jewelry Hallmarks. The chance of finding them struck all together in one piece is non-existing. It certainly wasn't a priority of the jeweler to leave space for hallmarks, especially if it would be to the detriment of the style of the piece and particularly because it wasn't compulsory.
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. In some countries, the testing of precious metal objects and. The Antique Jewelry University has an extensive Jewelry Maker's Marks Database to which new marks are added every week.
You can help build this database by sending in images and information to info@antiquejewelryuniversity.com.
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES SILVER AND GOLD HALLMARKS A silver or gold object that is to be sold commercially is, in most countries, stamped with one or more hallmarks indicating the purity of the metal and the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith Other marks can indicate the date of manufacture and additional information about the piece.
Most vintage and antique jewelry is stamped or etched with a mark representing the metal content and may also show the manufacturer of the jewelry as well. Describe the Cartouche, Frame or Shape - Examples: circle or triangle. Works primarily in gold and platinum.