In my usual capacity of answering questions, here is one worthy of note, not because of any major conclusion but because of the suggestion right at the end...
QUESTION..?
I have one gold cuff link which belonged to my late father. He would have been given it around 1950-1953. The markings on the back are as follows:- The first marking looks like a bird or a bell (not sure) followed by 9 375 (which I believe means 9 ct. then followed by "E". It also has the name PROUD (Probably the name of the Jewellery store).
Are you able to shed any light on the markings and possible year it was made. Many thanks
ANSWER..!
I don't know where you live or where your Father lived when he received the cufflinks in the first place, but the marks are certainly British (or colonies)...
You are correct in the 9 375 means 9ct (the 375 is the decimal code for 9ct gold).
The nearest date letter would have been 1954 for the date 'E' but the assay office would be an 'Anchor' mark for Birmingham.
PROUD is the name of an Australian Jewellery Store, but again I don't know if there is any connection. The Bell or Bird is a puzzle...
Hope this helps, and might I suggest you get your local Jeweler to convert it to a very attractive Pendant.
You can get a FREE Hallmarking Course at 20th Century Jewelry Antiques
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Why Not Value it YOURSELF?
A question came in today and is typical of the Jewelry Appraisal problems most people face.
The solution may be just right for you too - and it's not much of a risk either..!
QUESTION..?
I have a diamond ring marked 10k and it also has a diamond symbol with A141 Do you know the value of a ring such as this and what the markings mean? Thanks so much
ANSWER..!
There are many aspects which go into a Valuation Appraisal, not least the gold weight as well as the quality. 10K answers one side of that question but not how heavy it is etc?
The other marks in the diamond outline is probably a Maker's Stock Number or Mark and adds nothing to the price.
Apart from those considerations we would also need to know how the item was set, in what condition, how old is is, the design or any special features. All these go into the way an appraiser calculates a final price.
However the MOST important part of any jewelry is the gemstone, and this has a whole set of rules on its own.
What Shape - Cut - Color - Clarity - Carat weight - Wear and so on. These are Imposible to know without seeing the item to be valued - UNLESS....
You Value it..!
At the Jewelry Appraisal Center ANYONE can value their own jewelry ONLINE because YOU can see, feel, measure and touch the item being appraised (lots of help menus to get you through).
For one very low fee the software program even writes the Certificate for you, which you can print on your printer at Home. How safe it that?
I'm biased - of course - because I wrote the software, but we have clients (both in the Trade or First Time Users) who get their Jewelry Valued this way.
You can find the Appraisal Center at: http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com and simply follow the steps.
Hope this helps...
The solution may be just right for you too - and it's not much of a risk either..!
QUESTION..?
I have a diamond ring marked 10k and it also has a diamond symbol with A141 Do you know the value of a ring such as this and what the markings mean? Thanks so much
ANSWER..!
There are many aspects which go into a Valuation Appraisal, not least the gold weight as well as the quality. 10K answers one side of that question but not how heavy it is etc?
The other marks in the diamond outline is probably a Maker's Stock Number or Mark and adds nothing to the price.
Apart from those considerations we would also need to know how the item was set, in what condition, how old is is, the design or any special features. All these go into the way an appraiser calculates a final price.
However the MOST important part of any jewelry is the gemstone, and this has a whole set of rules on its own.
What Shape - Cut - Color - Clarity - Carat weight - Wear and so on. These are Imposible to know without seeing the item to be valued - UNLESS....
You Value it..!
At the Jewelry Appraisal Center ANYONE can value their own jewelry ONLINE because YOU can see, feel, measure and touch the item being appraised (lots of help menus to get you through).
For one very low fee the software program even writes the Certificate for you, which you can print on your printer at Home. How safe it that?
I'm biased - of course - because I wrote the software, but we have clients (both in the Trade or First Time Users) who get their Jewelry Valued this way.
You can find the Appraisal Center at: http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com and simply follow the steps.
Hope this helps...
Sunday, June 11, 2006
How to make an old watch work
Elgin watches and what to do with them after their 'Use by Date'
This is a common question and here is my answer....
QUESTION..?
I have recently come across a watch which appears to be pretty old. It is Lady Elgin, 14k stamped on back,1/20-12gf on clasp [which I'm pretty sure means gold filled}, and 2 small diamonds? on each side of the face. The watch is not working, and I am wondering if it is something worth repairing, and how I would go about finding it's worth. Thank you.
ANSWER..!
While watches are not one of my favorites (being a gemologist/valuer and not a watchmaker) I frequetly get these styles of watches over my desk.
The US Elgin company made watches from about 1867 through to the mid 1950's and you are quite correct when you say it is gold filled. The gemstones would not be diamonds, but more likely to be synthetic corundum.
Depending on any sentimental value you put on this item would make your decision as to getting it repaired (see a good local watchmaker and make sure they have worked on old watches like this before).
As a great alternative, we have frequently converted the watch case into a very pretty locket - worth thinking about! You might check the 20th Century Antique Jewellery website.
Generally though, as parts and skilled labor are very hard to come by, I would suggest the latter. Not being gold and not being diamonds means it is simply not worth repairing.
Hope this helps. What do you think?.
This is a common question and here is my answer....
QUESTION..?
I have recently come across a watch which appears to be pretty old. It is Lady Elgin, 14k stamped on back,1/20-12gf on clasp [which I'm pretty sure means gold filled}, and 2 small diamonds? on each side of the face. The watch is not working, and I am wondering if it is something worth repairing, and how I would go about finding it's worth. Thank you.
ANSWER..!
While watches are not one of my favorites (being a gemologist/valuer and not a watchmaker) I frequetly get these styles of watches over my desk.
The US Elgin company made watches from about 1867 through to the mid 1950's and you are quite correct when you say it is gold filled. The gemstones would not be diamonds, but more likely to be synthetic corundum.
Depending on any sentimental value you put on this item would make your decision as to getting it repaired (see a good local watchmaker and make sure they have worked on old watches like this before).
As a great alternative, we have frequently converted the watch case into a very pretty locket - worth thinking about! You might check the 20th Century Antique Jewellery website.
Generally though, as parts and skilled labor are very hard to come by, I would suggest the latter. Not being gold and not being diamonds means it is simply not worth repairing.
Hope this helps. What do you think?.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
How to Clean your Jewelry at Home
A Client recently wrote to me about sanding a small silver cross pendant which was making deep scratches from sanding. They wanted to know how to get rid of the scratches faster and prevent getting parts of it thiner than other parts?
ANSWER..!
STOP...
Firstly you should NEVER sand gold or silver. Jewelers use a very fine (like wet and dry) paper for the initial smoothing or shaping process to get rid of rough edges.
Once that is done they polish scratches out using a black/grey 'Tripoli' polish on a polishing machine (looks like a bench grinder).
This takes the first level of scatches away.
Then they use a red polish called 'Jewelers Rouge' to give the final finish.
Between each step they would clean in a liquid solution to get rid of the residual polish before moving on to the next step.
Please do not use sandpaper, as this will eventually destroy your item by wearing it thinner.
These two polishes come in a large 'Cake' block, like an old fashioned bar of soap and can be purchased at jewelry supply stores or even some good hardware shops.
But by the time you paid for all these - together with machines and mops etc - it's easier and far less costly to give it to your local jeweler and have them professionally clean it up for you.
There is also an excellent article on cleaning your jewelry at home at the Antique Jewelry website at this address: Antique Jewelry of the 20th Century
This should help.
ANSWER..!
STOP...
Firstly you should NEVER sand gold or silver. Jewelers use a very fine (like wet and dry) paper for the initial smoothing or shaping process to get rid of rough edges.
Once that is done they polish scratches out using a black/grey 'Tripoli' polish on a polishing machine (looks like a bench grinder).
This takes the first level of scatches away.
Then they use a red polish called 'Jewelers Rouge' to give the final finish.
Between each step they would clean in a liquid solution to get rid of the residual polish before moving on to the next step.
Please do not use sandpaper, as this will eventually destroy your item by wearing it thinner.
These two polishes come in a large 'Cake' block, like an old fashioned bar of soap and can be purchased at jewelry supply stores or even some good hardware shops.
But by the time you paid for all these - together with machines and mops etc - it's easier and far less costly to give it to your local jeweler and have them professionally clean it up for you.
There is also an excellent article on cleaning your jewelry at home at the Antique Jewelry website at this address: Antique Jewelry of the 20th Century
This should help.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Legal requirement to Hallmark Jewelry
Is it a legal requirement to stamp gold jewelry? If it is not legal, is there any reason that it wouldn't be stamped?
A client recently purchased a Geneve watch on-line from Bidz.com. The description was 10k. The watch was not stamped 10K, therefore they returned the watch.
The supposed retail value was $1550. They did not have it appraised.
ANSWER..!
The answer is - it depends...
The main reason I say that is because I don't know what country you are from (I'm assuming the States) where it is legal to stamp precious metal for COMMERCIAL sale.
Not all countries adhere to this.
Also in the States, if you were a small HOBBY craftsman, there is no need for you to stamp your jewelry either.
In most parts of the World, the Hallmark was a way in which the government certified the quality - but also to prove TAX had been paid (the latter being the more important to them).
Finally I might also add that the gold hallmark stamp on many gold watches are INSIDE the back cover of the watchcase. Did you remove the cover for examination?
Most Swiss watches are stamped in this manner.
The bottom line is: If you were not happy and had a full refund - no problems.
Check with other suppliers of quality watches in your area. You don't have to buy of course, but you can pretend you will while asking all sorts of questions which your local supplier should be able to answer.
Only then, when you are happy, make a buying decision.
As often mentioned, there is a FREE Hallmarking course available at the very informative website - Jewelry Antiques of the 20th Century - Why not sign up? (did I mention it was FREE)
A client recently purchased a Geneve watch on-line from Bidz.com. The description was 10k. The watch was not stamped 10K, therefore they returned the watch.
The supposed retail value was $1550. They did not have it appraised.
ANSWER..!
The answer is - it depends...
The main reason I say that is because I don't know what country you are from (I'm assuming the States) where it is legal to stamp precious metal for COMMERCIAL sale.
Not all countries adhere to this.
Also in the States, if you were a small HOBBY craftsman, there is no need for you to stamp your jewelry either.
In most parts of the World, the Hallmark was a way in which the government certified the quality - but also to prove TAX had been paid (the latter being the more important to them).
Finally I might also add that the gold hallmark stamp on many gold watches are INSIDE the back cover of the watchcase. Did you remove the cover for examination?
Most Swiss watches are stamped in this manner.
The bottom line is: If you were not happy and had a full refund - no problems.
Check with other suppliers of quality watches in your area. You don't have to buy of course, but you can pretend you will while asking all sorts of questions which your local supplier should be able to answer.
Only then, when you are happy, make a buying decision.
As often mentioned, there is a FREE Hallmarking course available at the very informative website - Jewelry Antiques of the 20th Century - Why not sign up? (did I mention it was FREE)
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