Question: Hi! Can you tell me what you know about Ocean Jasper and Viluite?
I'm trying to write some articles on Wikipedia about those minerals.
Wikipedia already has a tiny article on Viluite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viluite
Do you have any more info on Viluite and any info on Ocean Jasper?
Thanks!
Answer: G'day and many thanks for your query
However I have never heard of either.
Jasper is generally considered to be a Chalcedony and is one of the Quartz family of gemstones.
They have many TRADE names such as Egyptian Jasper or Blood Jasper etc, but Ocean Jasper means absolutly nothing, and it's name too is most misleading, having nothing to do with the sea?
As for the other gem you mentioned - I have again - No knowledge.
Sorry I can't help.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Continue Hallmarking Questions
14K B
Question: Hi ,David:
A lady asked another expert a question about what 14K B was. But I think they were not available at this time, so I seek help from you.
I also have the same experience like that lady.
My father in law gave me this silver like necklace which was clearly marked 14K B and not 14k P.
I thought it was 14K brass or something. Could you please tell me what exactly metal it is?
Answer:
G'day and many thanks for your query
Not much to go on for maker's marks but I suspect the item is simply marked with a 'B' for 'Base Metal'
Naturally I can't see, feel, weigh, test ot touch the item, but I have come across this myself over the past 35 years in the business.
It may be 14 Karat gold plated over a Base metal. Try a child's magnet and see if it jumps onto the magnet.
This test is NOT absolute of course, because it could be copper underneath - which is also NON MAGNETIC. But if it does react - it certainly isn't gold.
There are some great gold testing methods explained at the Antique 20th Century Jewelry site or you might like to try the Jewelry Hints Tips and Reviews Blog for poible answers. They are a fairly new site but seem to be getting a bit of a reputation on the web.
Hope this helps.
Question: Hi ,David:
A lady asked another expert a question about what 14K B was. But I think they were not available at this time, so I seek help from you.
I also have the same experience like that lady.
My father in law gave me this silver like necklace which was clearly marked 14K B and not 14k P.
I thought it was 14K brass or something. Could you please tell me what exactly metal it is?
Answer:
G'day and many thanks for your query
Not much to go on for maker's marks but I suspect the item is simply marked with a 'B' for 'Base Metal'
Naturally I can't see, feel, weigh, test ot touch the item, but I have come across this myself over the past 35 years in the business.
It may be 14 Karat gold plated over a Base metal. Try a child's magnet and see if it jumps onto the magnet.
This test is NOT absolute of course, because it could be copper underneath - which is also NON MAGNETIC. But if it does react - it certainly isn't gold.
There are some great gold testing methods explained at the Antique 20th Century Jewelry site or you might like to try the Jewelry Hints Tips and Reviews Blog for poible answers. They are a fairly new site but seem to be getting a bit of a reputation on the web.
Hope this helps.
Historical Jewelry for the Dead
Question: Dear Mr. Foard,
I'm hoping you can help me. I would like to know where I could go to find info on historical jewelry.
It's weird, but I am looking for information about a ring that I saw. The band was made of some sort of matte black stone, with some black shiny marquis cut stone set in it. The weird thing is that it wasn't set with traditional prongs, it was sort of tied to the band with a gold wire.
I would appreciate if you could point me in the right direction.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Answer: G'day and many thanks for your query
Firstly - please don't call me Mr Foard - That was my Father! My name is David ;o)
Many of these black gemstone designed rings are what they call Mourning Rings, and were made to literally commemorate someone who had passed away. They were often seen as black enamel or (as in this case) if you are sure it was made from a matt black stone - Black Onyx or Hematite.
Occasionally these rings also had a special compartment where a lock of hair was placed and this makes me believe (although I haven't seen it) that it could have once had something underneath the gemstone.
Over time the item may have become worn or broken so someone has simply used a wire to hold the gem in place.
There are several good site with information on antique jewelry and you can always do a search on eBay for Mourning Jewelry (try Google or your Favorite search engine).
One of my frequent sites is Antique Jewelry of the 20th Century ( http://www.jewellery-antiques.com/ ) where there is a ton of articles, or you might like to try the Antique Jewelry Fair ( http://www.antique-jewelry-fair.com ) as they occasionally have old jewelry like this for sale.
Hope this helps...
I'm hoping you can help me. I would like to know where I could go to find info on historical jewelry.
It's weird, but I am looking for information about a ring that I saw. The band was made of some sort of matte black stone, with some black shiny marquis cut stone set in it. The weird thing is that it wasn't set with traditional prongs, it was sort of tied to the band with a gold wire.
I would appreciate if you could point me in the right direction.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Answer: G'day and many thanks for your query
Firstly - please don't call me Mr Foard - That was my Father! My name is David ;o)
Many of these black gemstone designed rings are what they call Mourning Rings, and were made to literally commemorate someone who had passed away. They were often seen as black enamel or (as in this case) if you are sure it was made from a matt black stone - Black Onyx or Hematite.
Occasionally these rings also had a special compartment where a lock of hair was placed and this makes me believe (although I haven't seen it) that it could have once had something underneath the gemstone.
Over time the item may have become worn or broken so someone has simply used a wire to hold the gem in place.
There are several good site with information on antique jewelry and you can always do a search on eBay for Mourning Jewelry (try Google or your Favorite search engine).
One of my frequent sites is Antique Jewelry of the 20th Century ( http://www.jewellery-antiques.com/ ) where there is a ton of articles, or you might like to try the Antique Jewelry Fair ( http://www.antique-jewelry-fair.com ) as they occasionally have old jewelry like this for sale.
Hope this helps...
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Jewelry Appraisal Details
Unfortunately we get questions from clients where they have been mis-informed in the first place. This is due to a general state of apathy from sellers who once they have taken someone's money - loose sight of the 'Keep the Client Happy' mentality. Shame.
QUESTION..?
Could you give me a ball park appraisal on a pendant. Particulars are:
4.35 oval tanzanite clarity SI3-I2 color h-k
diamonds 10 round & 68 Baguette cut 1.25 CWT
Gold 5.4 grams (white gold).
It has a 14K 20" chain which I have seen priced at about $175-$200 retail.
A buddy of mine is selling this and is asking for $950.00. What do you think?
ANSWER..!
G'day and many thanks for your query
Firstly it is illegal for me to give an appraisal on an item I cannot see, feel, measure or touch. You can - but I can't (read this excellent article on appraisals).
Also you mentioned it is a Tanzanite which you then state is a clarity of SI3-I2 (there is no such thing because this type of clarification is for Diamond and doesn't apply to any other gem PLUS it can't be an SI (slight Inclusion) AND I (imperfect) at the same time?
The color too is all wrong (again only for diamond) being h-k. Which one is it? H - I - J - K (as you see there are four colors here - so it can't be H-K.
I don't know where you got these figures but you need to recheck them.
You can do an appraisal yourself online at the Jewelry Appraisal Center at http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com for a fairly modest fee ($14.95) but you will need to get the stats correct.
Hope this helps...
QUESTION..?
Could you give me a ball park appraisal on a pendant. Particulars are:
4.35 oval tanzanite clarity SI3-I2 color h-k
diamonds 10 round & 68 Baguette cut 1.25 CWT
Gold 5.4 grams (white gold).
It has a 14K 20" chain which I have seen priced at about $175-$200 retail.
A buddy of mine is selling this and is asking for $950.00. What do you think?
ANSWER..!
G'day and many thanks for your query
Firstly it is illegal for me to give an appraisal on an item I cannot see, feel, measure or touch. You can - but I can't (read this excellent article on appraisals).
Also you mentioned it is a Tanzanite which you then state is a clarity of SI3-I2 (there is no such thing because this type of clarification is for Diamond and doesn't apply to any other gem PLUS it can't be an SI (slight Inclusion) AND I (imperfect) at the same time?
The color too is all wrong (again only for diamond) being h-k. Which one is it? H - I - J - K (as you see there are four colors here - so it can't be H-K.
I don't know where you got these figures but you need to recheck them.
You can do an appraisal yourself online at the Jewelry Appraisal Center at http://www.online-jewelry-appraisals.com for a fairly modest fee ($14.95) but you will need to get the stats correct.
Hope this helps...
18K Yellow Gold Mans Diamond Ring
Sometimes we get a question from a concerned client, especially when it comes to diamonds, but in this case, we are unable to help. Maybe one of our readers might be able to shed light on this matter, as it would certainly help our 'Pool of Knowledge'.
QUESTION..?
I purchased an 18K gold man's ring at a consignment shop. The ring has a row of diamonds across the top (not really important to my question). After the 18K symbol is one letter: Z.
I took it to Zales, but they said not theirs. They did determine the diamonds to be real and noted the color was consistent the 18K mark. Can you ID the manufacturer for me? Thank you.
ANSWER..!
G'day and many thanks for your query
The mark may not be a Maker's Mark at all (depending on who made the item) because many manufacturers stamp a finger size (European makers use letters for example) so the 'Z' could be that OR simply a design mark or model identification mark.
Other than that - The Z on its own doesn't mean anything to me as there is no common register for every jeweller's mark because anyone ANYWHERE in the World could have made it.
Hope this helps. Best just to enjoy it. At least you know it is genuine...
QUESTION..?
I purchased an 18K gold man's ring at a consignment shop. The ring has a row of diamonds across the top (not really important to my question). After the 18K symbol is one letter: Z.
I took it to Zales, but they said not theirs. They did determine the diamonds to be real and noted the color was consistent the 18K mark. Can you ID the manufacturer for me? Thank you.
ANSWER..!
G'day and many thanks for your query
The mark may not be a Maker's Mark at all (depending on who made the item) because many manufacturers stamp a finger size (European makers use letters for example) so the 'Z' could be that OR simply a design mark or model identification mark.
Other than that - The Z on its own doesn't mean anything to me as there is no common register for every jeweller's mark because anyone ANYWHERE in the World could have made it.
Hope this helps. Best just to enjoy it. At least you know it is genuine...
Monday, August 07, 2006
Fleur d'lys Hallmark on gold ring
There are more and more Hallmark questions popping up every day and I have been asked about this particular one several times. Maybe you have an item with a similar mark. If so we would be delighted to hear from you with any comments.
QUESTION..?
I just received a ring that has the following markings on the inside of the ring:
a fleur de lis symbol/585/another fleur de lis symbol. I hope you have some insight. My web searches have given me no help! Thanks for your time
ANSWER..!
Ohh - But you've picked a doozy...
The fleur d'lys (fleur de lis) while being a French symbol, was seen during the Huguenot silver makers periods but is not an official French Hallmark (but you'd think so).
It has been used by every man and his dog though, and occasionally has been seen on Austrian items and Czechoslovakian or Hungary or Italy or Denmark and Germany.
Phew!
Even the British Hallmarks have been seen with this mark. American Maker's Marks also show the fleur d'lys in their design.
The 585 is the decimal standard for 14ct gold which would bring me back to Europe. You didn't mention where you live or how or where you got the item - which would help you.
Sorry I can't be more specific - but as I said - it's a doozy...
There is a free UK British Hallmarking course available at Jewelry Antiques.
QUESTION..?
I just received a ring that has the following markings on the inside of the ring:
a fleur de lis symbol/585/another fleur de lis symbol. I hope you have some insight. My web searches have given me no help! Thanks for your time
ANSWER..!
Ohh - But you've picked a doozy...
The fleur d'lys (fleur de lis) while being a French symbol, was seen during the Huguenot silver makers periods but is not an official French Hallmark (but you'd think so).
It has been used by every man and his dog though, and occasionally has been seen on Austrian items and Czechoslovakian or Hungary or Italy or Denmark and Germany.
Phew!
Even the British Hallmarks have been seen with this mark. American Maker's Marks also show the fleur d'lys in their design.
The 585 is the decimal standard for 14ct gold which would bring me back to Europe. You didn't mention where you live or how or where you got the item - which would help you.
Sorry I can't be more specific - but as I said - it's a doozy...
There is a free UK British Hallmarking course available at Jewelry Antiques.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Hallmarks on a Gold Bangle
There are more and more questions coming with regard Hallmarks as it seems to be a major confusion for people. Here is a typical example on a Gold Bangle
QUESTION..?
Good morning. I have recently seen a piece (locking bangle) with the marks "pat.jan08" on one side of the hinge and "JM or JMT & CO." on the other side of the hinge. very tiny.
I cannot find anything on the net about these hallmarks.
The piece appears to be gold and has 3 pinkish, red stones set in the top of the bangle. The piece does not seem solid. but I am 99% sure it is gold.
Any information on this piece would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou for your time and expertise.
ANSWER..!
You didn't say where you live, so I'm going to assume it's the States?
You also didn't say if this was a new item or an estate item, but again, I am going to assume it is at least secondhand if not Vintage.
Hinged Bangles are generally hollow and to increase the 'Apparent' weight - are filled with jewelers wax to make them appear heavy. There's a great article about this on the 20th Century Antique Jewelry Website.
The marks (stamped or engraved?) could simply be as a ID or gift mark for 'Pat' whose Birthday or Anniversary was January 8th?
The other Marks would be the Manufacture or Maker's Marks but the only JM would be for John Moore of Dublin - many years ago in the 18th Century.
So you see why it is important to know how old - AND - where you live or purchased the item. The History is always a great clue when we try to track down an item's past.
The gems are possibly garnets or garnet doublets, but without seeing them and testing..? Maybe pink sapphire? - They are Not just blue.
You need to take the item to a qualified appraiser and have them do a full (expensive) report on it. That's the only way you will know for sure.
Hope this helps.
QUESTION..?
Good morning. I have recently seen a piece (locking bangle) with the marks "pat.jan08" on one side of the hinge and "JM or JMT & CO." on the other side of the hinge. very tiny.
I cannot find anything on the net about these hallmarks.
The piece appears to be gold and has 3 pinkish, red stones set in the top of the bangle. The piece does not seem solid. but I am 99% sure it is gold.
Any information on this piece would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou for your time and expertise.
ANSWER..!
You didn't say where you live, so I'm going to assume it's the States?
You also didn't say if this was a new item or an estate item, but again, I am going to assume it is at least secondhand if not Vintage.
Hinged Bangles are generally hollow and to increase the 'Apparent' weight - are filled with jewelers wax to make them appear heavy. There's a great article about this on the 20th Century Antique Jewelry Website.
The marks (stamped or engraved?) could simply be as a ID or gift mark for 'Pat' whose Birthday or Anniversary was January 8th?
The other Marks would be the Manufacture or Maker's Marks but the only JM would be for John Moore of Dublin - many years ago in the 18th Century.
So you see why it is important to know how old - AND - where you live or purchased the item. The History is always a great clue when we try to track down an item's past.
The gems are possibly garnets or garnet doublets, but without seeing them and testing..? Maybe pink sapphire? - They are Not just blue.
You need to take the item to a qualified appraiser and have them do a full (expensive) report on it. That's the only way you will know for sure.
Hope this helps.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Gold Bracelet Hallmarks
Jewelry Maker's Marks are the hardest to find as you will see from this recent query I had.
QUESTION..? I HAVE AN OLD LINK STYLE SHAMROCK BRACELET MARKED 14K...C+B...I ASSUME C+B IS A MAKERS MARK BUT I CAN FIND NO INFORMATION ON THIS MAKER ANYWHERE! PLEASE HELP!
ANSWER..! You are correct in saying the 14K (NOT a British Hallmark) is for 14 carat gold and the CB is as you suggested a Makers or design mark.
However; after date letter hallmarks, Maker's Marks are the Hardest to get classified as anyone can make jewelry, and any country can produce jewelry without complying to any register.
This makes the NON-FAMOUS jewelers out there, almost impossible to find.
You might (if you have a lot of time available) like to browse one of my favorite websites at this address: http://home.wxs.nl/~luijt005/hallm.htm or you might like to slip over to Antique Jewelry of the 20th Century at: http://www.jewellery-antiques.com where you can sign up for a bonus Hallmarking 4 part email course.
Even though it's for British Hallmarks, I'm sure you will learn a great deal from it.
QUESTION..? I HAVE AN OLD LINK STYLE SHAMROCK BRACELET MARKED 14K...C+B...I ASSUME C+B IS A MAKERS MARK BUT I CAN FIND NO INFORMATION ON THIS MAKER ANYWHERE! PLEASE HELP!
ANSWER..! You are correct in saying the 14K (NOT a British Hallmark) is for 14 carat gold and the CB is as you suggested a Makers or design mark.
However; after date letter hallmarks, Maker's Marks are the Hardest to get classified as anyone can make jewelry, and any country can produce jewelry without complying to any register.
This makes the NON-FAMOUS jewelers out there, almost impossible to find.
You might (if you have a lot of time available) like to browse one of my favorite websites at this address: http://home.wxs.nl/~luijt005/hallm.htm or you might like to slip over to Antique Jewelry of the 20th Century at: http://www.jewellery-antiques.com where you can sign up for a bonus Hallmarking 4 part email course.
Even though it's for British Hallmarks, I'm sure you will learn a great deal from it.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Are these Pearls Really Real?
Has this ever happened to you? I would love to hear from anyone with a similar experience with pearls or any other gemstone or jewelry item. As usual - here's a clients query...
QUESTION..?
I have a strand of pearls that I believe were my grandmothers, possibly bought by my father in Japan. There is a marking on the clasp "KIO". Do you know if this would be a metal marking? Or of significance to the pearls origins?
Thank you for your time.
ANSWER..!
The Mark 'KIO' is probably a Makers Mark or Model design stamp, but unfortunately doesn't mean anything to me.
Not that I want to put a damper on your treasure, but there were many soldiers who during the Korean War bought what they were told were Ruby - These gemstones turned out to be nothing more than polished glass, cut from the red tail lights stolen from their jeeps!
The same thing happened throughout Asia, especially Japan, only this time they were told they were Mikimoto Pearls (which they were not) but simply glass simulations.
You firstly need to take the pearls to your local Jeweler who can at least confirm if they are Natural, Cultured or synthetic. Once you know that, you can decide to proceed with a full appraisal by going to your local gemologist appraiser or you might like to try the Online Service at the Jewelry Appraisal Center.
Hope this helps.
QUESTION..?
I have a strand of pearls that I believe were my grandmothers, possibly bought by my father in Japan. There is a marking on the clasp "KIO". Do you know if this would be a metal marking? Or of significance to the pearls origins?
Thank you for your time.
ANSWER..!
The Mark 'KIO' is probably a Makers Mark or Model design stamp, but unfortunately doesn't mean anything to me.
Not that I want to put a damper on your treasure, but there were many soldiers who during the Korean War bought what they were told were Ruby - These gemstones turned out to be nothing more than polished glass, cut from the red tail lights stolen from their jeeps!
The same thing happened throughout Asia, especially Japan, only this time they were told they were Mikimoto Pearls (which they were not) but simply glass simulations.
You firstly need to take the pearls to your local Jeweler who can at least confirm if they are Natural, Cultured or synthetic. Once you know that, you can decide to proceed with a full appraisal by going to your local gemologist appraiser or you might like to try the Online Service at the Jewelry Appraisal Center.
Hope this helps.
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