Jewellery

Jewelry Articles
THE MEANING OF JEWELRY MARKS
In 14th sentury, English King Edward I instituted a statute requiring that all gold and silver jewelry be tested for standards of assay at the headquarters of the Guild of Goldsmiths before they could be sold. If approved, an item was struck with a mark as a guarantee of quality. Over time, marks were added to signify the date, place of assay and maker of pieces. Though never intended as such, hallmarks are a critical tool in the identification and dating of antique jewelry.This article offers basic information on country of origin hallmarks and makers' marks compiled from research submitted by Elyse Zorn Karlin, Discovering Hall Marks on English Silver by John Bly and Bradbuiy ~s Book of Hallmarks: A Guide to Marks of Origin on British & Irish Silver, 1544 to 1989, originally compiled by Frederick Bradbury, F.S.A. Consult the list of references for more sources on marks.