Jewelry Appraisal CenterQuestion: I recently bought my fiancee as a Christmas present, an "antique" filigree pearl ring, it is supposed to also be set in white gold...
Pearls: A Natural History
Price: $39.95
I paid $150.00 for the ring and it is pretty, I'm just not sure if it was worth it or if I am getting the shaft.
The ring has a square setting that is surrounded in VERY fine and ornate filigree and has a marking "LAIS" on the inside of the band, there are no other stones other than the white pearl, also there seems to be someones personal engraving on the band that I cannot make out (very worn, some of the filigree is also very worn down).
The filigree also makes some heart shapes in the weaving of the tendrils.
It is not marked with anything else on the inside, but her engagement ring is also an antique and does not have any markings on the inside of this (is this representative of the period), so did I make out alright or am I a fool?
Thanks,
Answer: G'day and many thanks for your query
The first thing I should say is - You are not a fool and I doubt your fiancee would even consider you one. This sound like a very nice gift to me and I am sure she will love it.
Great Brownie Points here too ;o)
The mark inside the band sounds like a Maker's Mark or design mark. Sometimes the store has their ID letters here. I am surprised there is no GOLD Hallmark though.
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You didn't say where you lived so I am going to assume the USA. What you have to understand is that there is NO central registry of Hallmarks and other countries do NOT have to comply anyway.
This means in general terms that anyone - anywhere - can make and stamp their jewelry with whatever marks they want. If you go back 50 to 100 years or more - that was even more prevalent then - than now.
I would suggest you get your local friendly jeweler or gemologist Valuer to appraise the item. At least then you will have written documentation to prove what it it because they will test it for you. The fee is worth the peace of mind anyway.
Alternatively, you might like to browse eBay or even the Antique Jewelry Fair website at: http://www.antique-jewelry-fair.biz/ for similar items.
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