Jewelry Appraisal Center

Earrings Question: I bought some vintage amethyst earrings in Harrods, London. All they could tell me was that they are yellow metal.

500 Earrings: New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry (Lark Jewellery)

Price: $15.01

They are very unusual.

Drop earrings that remind me of upturned champagne glasses, with enlongated open prong setting with the large brilliant cut amethysts set pointing down facing.

Assay and makers marks also very unusual. Not English.

Looks like an axehead lying horizonal and a crown. Not an English crown but more like this vvvv.

Also what could be 3 dolphins or SH or 555.

Difficult to be accurate as these are on the wires of both earrings.

They are of excellent quality and weighty in yellow gold and look contemporty

Deborah… Continue reading Earrings From Harrods...

Gold Karat mark Question: Hi Bill or Sally,

Recently, before purchasing a pair of gold earrings on eBay, I sent the seller a question asking if the earrings in question were stamped with the 14k mark as they were reported as being.

Buying & Selling Jewelry on eBay (Buying & Selling on Ebay)

Price: $12.83

I got the response, that yes they were, so I placed my bid in confidence, and won the auction.

Upon receiving the earrings, I saw that only the clasp had the 14k stamp, not the body of the earring.

I sent the seller another email asking:
“if the body of the earrings gold, and if they are, whey don’t they have a karat mark. Isn’t it the law that all gold bare a karat mark?”

The response I got from the seller is:

“The law is that the earring (including the clasp/ post) of the earring has to be all 14k gold in order for it to be stamped 14k. Almost all earrings are stamped on the post because otherwise the design of most earrings would get ruined by the stamping.”

My question to you is, is that true? Can I pretty much relax, and not feel “taken”?

I eagerly await your response, and thank you in advance.

Patti… Continue reading Gold Karat Mark...

French Hallmarks on a platinum and gold ring Question: Are you be able to translate French Hallmarks?

French-Inspired Jewelry: Creating with Vintage Beads, Buttons & Baubles

Price: $11.88

If not, do you know of either a book, website or person that can help me identify them?

The hallmarks are a rooster’s head, a horse’s head and a “gondola” or “Viking” type boat on water with the letter “E”.

Thank you, Maile GG, CGA… Continue reading French Hallmarks On Platinum And Gold Ring...

Markings on a Gold Ring Question: Hi David, I recently purchased an 18kt yellow gold ring from a home shopping channel.

Buccellati: Art in Gold, Silver and Gems

Price: $27.75

On the inside is stamped AU 18kt Turkey.

I also purchased an 18kt yellow gold bracelet. The stamp says AU 18kt Italy.

Am assuming the ring is made in Turkey and the bracelet in Italy.

What does AU stand for?

thank you

Patricia… … Continue reading Gold Ring Markings...

Agate Cameo Ring Question: Hi David, I have a cameo ring my Grandmother gave to me about ten years ago.

Cameos: A Pocket Guide With Values (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Price: $17.97

I am not sure where she got it from or how long she had it.

It is an oval shape with a full figure Greek goddess (I think) wearing flowing clothing, it looks like she is holding some kind of a bowl at her hip with her right hand and is holding her left arm up above her head. It is quite detailed.

The face of the cameo is about 1.5cms long by 1cm wide, the face’s circumference is surrounded by a simple layer of rose gold and the ring itself is rose gold. I think it is 9kt as the inside of the band is stamped 9375.

There is also another stamp on the inside of the band and i am not sure if it means anything S.U.L TD and also the marking B6849???

The cameo itself looks to me like it is definitely carved out of some kind of blue medium, I am not sure what as it is a light blue colour and not that bright blue I have seen on many agate cameos.

Lastly It is in very good condition and the only modification I have made is to the band size as originally it was very small and would only have fit on my pinky.

I think that is all I have, I would really like to learn more about this and possibly what its value may be?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Danielle… Continue reading Agate Cameo Ring...

Antique Locket Question: I have a beautiful vintage locket that I want to find out more about.

The front of the locket has a lovely floral design with rose and green colored silver ~ really pretty.

500 Pendants & Lockets: Contemporary Interpretations of Classic Adornments

Price: $16.47

It is about 2″ tall, and I believe it is silver.

On the back there is a line of three small hallmarks -

• a small “g”,
• a sideways anchor,
• and a lion.

Above those is another hallmark with WF in it.

The back does have some “dents” in it from something. I can send pics if you need them!

Mainly I’m trying to find out it’s age, and possible value. Thanks so much ~… Continue reading Antique Silver Locket...

Markings Inside Ring Question: I found a ring on the beach last week and on the inside it is stamped 14 MP.

1000 Rings: Inspiring Adornments for the Hand (Lark Jewelry Book)

Price: $10.95

I have not been able to find out what the MP stands for.

The ring is quite nice and I’d like to see what the value might be.

Thanks in advance for your time…

Kelly.… Continue reading Gold Ring Found On A Beach...