The prime purpose of these marks is to show that the metal of the item upon which they are stamped is of a certain level of purity. Special commemorative hallmarks are created to celebrate major events. Discovering hallmarks on english silver by john bly this book not only tabulates the hallmarks that enable the identification of silver items but also traces the history of english silver, describing some famous makers and provides hints on spotting fakes. First published in 1937, the book of old silver thoroughly chronicles the fascinating history of the art of this precious metal, starting in england, which produced more fine silver than any other country and ignited the crafts greatest flowering.
Also referred to as jewelry stamps or makers marks, these imprints help confirm the authenticity of the jewelry and can sometimes indicate the production date. See more ideas about jewelry maker, sterling jewelry, vintage jewelry. A huge catalog of silver stamps used over time and by different manufacturers is located at the online encyclopedia of silver marks, hallmarks, and makers marks. Silver jewelry marks are the hallmarks found on silver jewelry to help. Contemporary collectible jewelry marks are sometimes just as intriguing as the pieces themselves.
Whether youre an avid costume jewelry collector, a beginner, or are just drawn to beautiful things, we think you will be interested in the information presented here on costume jewelry designers and companies that produced costume jewelry for others. Systems of silver hallmarking vary according to country. Special acknowledgments go to dotty stringfield who created rcj in 1997 with the help of. This is a non profit project, which started in aug 2015. A silver object that is to be sold commercially is, in most countries, stamped with one or more silver hallmarks indicating the purity of the silver, the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith, and other optional markings to indicate date of manufacture and additional information about the piece.
Any mark indicating a higher silver content, such as 950, would also qualify as sterling. In europe, pure 24karat gold is marked fine, while 18karat gold is 750, meaning 75 percent. The quality of the original pictures varies greatly and i have been obliged to use some pictures which are not as good. See more ideas about hallmark, makers mark, antique knowledge. Marks in watch cases hallmarks, sponsors marks, etc. Sometimes metal marks alone provide a key to the where and when of an old piece of jewelry. A more complete listing of the mark variations can be found in charles h. British silver jewelry marks are the most complex, as they include various letters and symbols. Specialist publications help explain different makers or sponsors marks, with sir charles jacksons english goldsmiths and their marks, first published in 1905 and revised in 1989, still the most authoritative work on the subject. At a minimum they include the purity marks that indicate the silver content, and can also include the maker s mark or signature. This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.
The little book of mexican silver trade and hallmarks hougart, mr. Silver forum an email based forum of knowledgeable individuals on silver, silver designs and maker marks. Native american artists hallmarks silver and turquoise jewelry. Identification hallmarking research guides at state. The ounce marks given on the following pages are troy weights and not the standard ounces we in the us use. The aim of this web site is to provide an aid in the identification of british and irish silversmiths from their makers or sponsors marks. Jewelry makers marks in alphabetical order photos alphabet. The ounce marks given on the following pages are troy weights and not.
The pocket edition of jacksons hallmarks contains 1,000 makers marks listed alphabetically by mark, with comments as to rarity, value and the speciality of the maker e. Jewelry makers mark maker s marks are the initials or name of the manufacturing firm or other representative symbol stamped into a gold, silver or platinum item. Jan 15, 20 first published in 1937, the book of old silver thoroughly chronicles the fascinating history of the art of this precious metal, starting in england, which produced more fine silver than any other country and ignited the crafts greatest flowering. The new collector should focus first on trying to identify whether the item is in fact a silver item. Antique glass antique jewelry vintage jewelry silver jewelry vintage cutlery boho jewelry silver ring fashion jewelry vintage silver deborah cross identifying marks the limoges unique mark was created in 1929 by the union of the limoges porcelain manufacturers as a label to certify genuine limoge. The large scale manufacturers which began in the 1840s form a major portion of this directory.
Aug 24, 2019 researching costume jewelry rcj is a collaboration of hundreds of costume jewelry collectors and dealers who have shared and continue to share their knowledge, photos, written articles, and jewelry catalogs along with assisting in other ways. Often overlooked due to their intentionally hidden location and diminutive size, the etchings found inscribed on a piece of modern or vintage jewelry offer a window into the who, what, and where of the piece and are well worth a serious look. It is regularly updated as we find and photograph new examples of silver hallmarks and makers marks. The company also sells on qvc under the name jai, and that is. The study of jewelry maker s marks is a fascinating subject, steeped in history, culture, and art. At its most basic, we can usually easily identify the type of jewelry i. Contact heritage auctions for a free appraisal of your designer. Gold tips and techniques for mystery books vintage silver jewelry, antique jewelry. Colorado native ben yazzie is a very famous native american jewelry artisan. British hallmarks have been used for over 500 years and have changed over time. Once you have received your silver salon forum password, and then if you abide by the silver salon forum guidelines, you may start a thread or post a reply in the new members forum.
Antique and vine jewelry maker s marks a collector. Encyclopedia of american silver manufacturers schiffer book for collectors. Researching costume jewelry history, jewelry marks, fashion. When learning how to date vintage jewelry, a makers mark or signature can be a big help, since most companies changed their signatures over time.
Sold at neimans and other highend shops and made in indonesia. Researching costume jewelry rcj is a collaboration of hundreds of costume jewelry collectors and dealers who have shared and continue to share their knowledge, photos, written articles, and jewelry catalogs along with assisting in other ways. If it was made in england before 1975, 18k gold will be stamped 18ct or 18c. Aug 15, 2014 it includes silver marks from many countries and you can access it here. The inclusion of initial stamps alongside the hallmarks means that most makers can also be identified. John hardy is a contemporary jewelry maker who started in about 1975 in bali. For britain these included the queens coronation 1953 and the golden jubilee 2002. To navigate the site, it is easiest to use the green menu bar at the top of the screen. Ben yazzie has made fine silver and turquoise jewelry for many, many famous country musicians such as charlie daniels, dwight yokham, the mcentire sisters, mark wills and many more. Your help will be very appreciated to name the following hallmarks. Some marks are similar so pay close attention to the marks as subtle differences can mean the difference of decades. Import marks from 1999 following a ruling of the european court of justice the uk is required to accept national hallmarks of member states who provide an equivalent guarantee. Public silver forums open free membership anyone with a valid email address may register.
There is very little information about the designer or design mark bsk, either online or in research books. How to identify sterling silver jewelry faux real tho. The mark used was danecraft, sometimes with the mark c imposed over an f. Here are a few handpicked vintage silver jewelry books on amazon. Ive seen one reference book listing the 1970s, but most. However, if you do find the marks, this list below of over 180 vintage jewelry and metal designers may help you identify how old they are. Silver hallmarks are marks indicating the quality of silver objects. Hallmarks include a standard or purity mark, a city or town mark, a date letter, a duty mark, and a makers mark. Look up designer jewelry makers marks using this list of designers and images of their stamps. Costume jewelry designers and company a h identification. The pages below show the hallmarks and date marks used on the silver of s. A makers mark on an art deco brooch is unlikely to be found in a book on. The little book of mexican silver trade and hallmarks by billie hougart is essential for identifying mexican jewelry.
Silver jewelry marks can also include the region or town where the piece was made andor. Also called trademarks, they often provide the only evidence that a certain piece of jewelry has indeed been manufactured by a certain jewelry maker. I am constantly adding new, and trying to improve the quality of the photos. One of the more undervalued vintage jewelry designers is from bsk. Ben has been making wonderful american handcrafted silver jewelry since the early 1970s. This is the hallmarks site map of a small collection of antique silver and objects of vertu, a pages richly illustrated website offering all you need to know about antique silver, sterling silver, silverplate, sheffield plate, electroplate silver, silverware, flatware, tea services and tea complements, marks and hallmarks, articles, books, auction catalogs, famous silversmiths. Only with clear pictures attached please, im not a mindreader.
A beginners course for aspiring jewelry makers by jinks mcgrath 3. The story of the house of kirk, published 1914 stieff silver. See more ideas about makers mark, pottery marks and vintage costumes. The little book of mexican silver trade and hallmarks. Silver jewelry marks are the hallmarks found on silver jewelry to help identify the composition and source of the jewelry. Jewelry hallmarks gold and silver costume jewelry makers. Historically levies were placed on precious metal and a duty mark indicated that it has been paid. The item may also have some commemorative or duty marks. The keystone jewelry trade mark book, 1934 edition.
It includes silver marks from many countries and you can access it here. The company was founded in new york in 1948 and was in business until the mid 1980s. The two main assay offices in scotland were based in edinburgh and glasgow. Starting in 1838, an eagles head stamped on a piece of gold jewelry indicated that the jewelry was from france and that it had a minimum of 18k gold. Researching costume jewelry history, companies and signatures. The company also sells on qvc under the name jai, and that is a less expensive line of sterling jewelry.
Hallmark sources from europe and the americas compiled. In 1945 primavera bought out felch and changed the company name to danecraft, which it has. Chicagosilver master list of online silver and jewelry hallmarks. Silver makers marks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Mystery mark forum more like a running dialog on name that mark type makers marks and hallmarks than an actual forum. You can look for marks, but frequently the jewelry only bears the mark of the company they worked for. The marks that were placed on silver assayed here followed the same rules as the english assay offices except for one notable difference. The best way to identify sterling silver jewelry is to inspect the piece, because almost all silver jewelry has a stamp indicating the silver content. The assay office marks for gold would be in a square shield with chamfered corners and in a blunt oval for silver. Trifari makers marks and trademarks demarc treasures. The ambition of this website is to create a complete reference guide of swedish hallmarks from late 1600s to c 1930s. Love, share, sell, buy and research antique and collectible silver, right here. Gold hallmarks how to know what your jewellery really is dictionary of marks premium articles table optional marks hallmarks explained hallmarking jewelry sts what do they really mean exle of jewelry silver tradenames search.
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