JEWELRY AUCTIONS - Jewelry Hallmark Guide

Identifying and authenticating antique and period jewelry is based on experience and knowledge. It is often a process of geparing known with unknown and making an educated guess. But those of us who search for clues to a piece's age and origin are always delighted to find a hallmark on a jewel, because it eliminates a great deal of guesswork. Learning how to identify hallmarks is an essential part of begeing an expert in the field. There is a gemon misunderstanding about what a hallmark really is. Many people confuse hallmarks with makers' marks. A hallmark is nothing more than an indication of metal content, a guarantee of purity or quality, which may include a makers mark and other marks. Makers' marks alone are not considered hallmarks.