Professional Gemologist Appraiser

9ct Gold pin with gemstone Question: Hello, I recently purchased a pin and I wonder if you could tell me anything about it.

Collecting Antique Stickpins: Identification & Value Guide

Price: $611.33

The makers mark is either H.G&S / K.G&S then it say's,

'9ct' then 'sil set'.

There is also a stone that could be a CZ or even a real diamond?

What do you think?.

Answer: G'day Mandy and many thanks for your query.

First let me say that there is no central registry for world Makers Marks - plus you didn't tell me what country you live in or where this pin may have come from in the first place - so I am a bit in the dark here.

The first set of letters are simply the Store Name or Makers mark. In the UK for example, a major retail jewelry chain store is H. Samuel and Sons - so their mark is H.S&S - While this mark is not theirs, you get the idea.

It has NO effect or relevance to value. Is is just for ID.

You might like to do a search on places like eBay for more information...

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The next mark 9ct shows it is made in 9 carat gold. In the USA and other parts of the world it is marked as 'k' or 'kt' for karat - which is the same thing. Much like those in some parts of the world spell jewelry - JEWELLERY!

The sil set indicates that the setting area around the stone is silver, and not while gold or Palladium or Platinum. This is common in older jewelry and was used to keep the price down. It indicates to me an item made in the middle of the last century - but as I can't see it, feel it, measure or test it - that's just a general observation. It might be slightly earlier - but not later.

Finally; The gemstone is too old in design to be a CZ as they weren't invented yet - but the ring quality is NOT one in which a jeweler would put a diamond in - so my guess is the clear white gemstone is either a white spinel or a white corundum - which was used (heck of a lot actually) during this period. No fortune - just a nice old pin.

You might also like to add this query to my Jewelry Forum as other may have had a similar problem. Can't hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.

Hope this helps. It is surprising to many that our Jewelry Appraisals Online system can actually value your antique and vintage jewelry. Give it a try...