Jewelry Appraisal Center

Jewelry hallmarks

Professional jewelry appraisals completed by gemologists and valuers often have to take into account the effect the jewelry hallmarks have on the value of each item being appraised. Do they alter the price, up or down, depending on the hallmark. The simple answer is yes – and no. It depends on the hallmarks themselves and where they come from.

I get similar questions on forums and ‘expert’ websites, together with my own members discussion group. They are usually in the following format, and in general the same questions get asked over and over again. They go… Continue reading Jewelry Hallmarks And What They Mean...

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...

Old silver/opal/sapphire ring Question: I have an old ring with a large opal in the center with 16 sapphires staggered and surrounding a single opal.

Opal: The Phenomenal Gemstone

Price: $40.00

Everything is discolored, dull silver while the only markings inside of the ring are the numbers 325 with a stamp of a crown?

What kind of metal is this…

and what do the markings mean?… Continue reading Old Opal Ring...

Question: I have a gold/red cross (pin on back of the badge) 2.5cm.

The Graphic Art of the Enamel Badge

Price: $1.12

Has a small animal (rat or mole), then the number 18 and then the letter W (in upper case).

Any ideas on this hallmark?

I live in New Zealand and purchased it off the internet with no history available. thanks… Continue reading Gold Cross Badge...

British Hallmarks are the best in the world.

Who says so – the rest of the World – although to be fair, other countries have great hallmarks too, it is just that they are NOT so often seen…

So what do we really need to know…?

A book on World Hallmarks for Gold or Silver items is a must for any serious collector or dealer, but they can be a little intimidating and time consuming.

• Is that mark a Cockerel or a Tree?
• Could it be made in Switzerland or Germany?
• Is that