What Do Those Symbols on Jewelry Mean? Find Out Here! | United Kingdom

Luxury jewelry pieces have a mark that denotes the metal's purity, known as a hallmark. For example, if you buy a piece of gold jewelry, it will have a stamp that reads "14K," – indicating that it contains 14 parts Gold out of 24 parts. But what other symbols and markings can you find on jewelry? Let's take a look at the mysterious features adorning your favorite accessories…

As previously mentioned, many Gold pieces will have a simple stamp of the karat weight – such as 14K, 18K, 10K, and so on – placed on them. If a piece of jewelry has a stamp, this usually means that it is made of a valuable metal like Gold or silver. While not all gold and silver jewelry will necessarily display a karat mark, you can look for the word "gold" or "silver" near the hallmark. This should serve as further proof of the metal's quality.

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The maker's mark is also common in jewelry pieces. This includes letters or initials that may be used to identify the item's manufacturer. Like a signature, the maker's mark is unique to the artist or entity. It's easy to locate the maker's mark on an item's back or the ring's underside.

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If your jewelry is adorned with a gemstone, it may also have a carat weight stamp. This shows the piece's total weight in carats, which can affect its value significantly. The carat total is usually shown as a fraction or decimal – a 9.00 diamond, for instance, equals a 0.9-carat or 90-point diamond.

This is especially important for antique and vintage pieces. Jewelry in certain countries – such as England, France, and Italy – is usually considered of higher quality or significance than elsewhere. Also, it is believed that these countries use higher-grade metals, which will affect the purity and price of the jewelry. When buying vintage jewelry, look for the country's mark on the item to help you determine its value.

Combining all of the previously mentioned features is referred to as a "composite mark." These stamps are usually placed elsewhere on the object, such as on a bracelet or the inside of a necklace. Depending on the age of the piece, the mark may be hard to make out and difficult to interpret, so it is best to take it to a professional for a definitive answer.

Identifying the markings on your jewelry can help give you peace of mind and tell you more about the value and history of your prized piece. Understanding the various symbols in modern and vintage jewelry is important in helping you make an informed purchasing decision.