Which is rare sterling silver or platinum jewelry?
For example, a stamp that says “S925” indicates that the jewelry is sterling silver. Pure silver jewelry is rare as pure silver is soft and easily damaged. Find any marks indicating platinum jewelry. Platinum is a very rare and expensive metal. Therefore, all platinum jewelry will be marked to show authenticity.
How to identify antique Sterling and silver jewelry?
Much of the newer jewelry has a paper tag that may have been removed, but the older jewelry is stamped as to country of origin. Know the countries that produced older silver jewelry.
What’s the correct number for sterling silver jewelry?
Jewelry must be .925 to be sterling silver in the United States. Most of the newer jewelry is marked .925 if it is sterling silver. The number .950 is a little better quality of sterling silver, and is found in older jewelry. The number .835 is common for older European silver.
What kind of hardware is used in vintage jewelry?
Vintage jewelry hardware refers to the various types of clasps, pins, earring backs, rings, and other elements used to create jewelry. These are also called “findings.” Techniques and elements have evolved over time, so knowing the types of hardware used during various eras will help you to properly date your vintage and antique jewelry.
For example, a stamp that says “S925” indicates that the jewelry is sterling silver. Pure silver jewelry is rare as pure silver is soft and easily damaged. Find any marks indicating platinum jewelry. Platinum is a very rare and expensive metal. Therefore, all platinum jewelry will be marked to show authenticity.
How can you tell if a piece of jewelry is vintage?
Maybe you’ve just acquired some vintage jewelry from a family member or friend. Or you found some nice vintage jewelry at a yard or garage sale or at the thrift shop. Whether you plan to keep the jewelry as a family heirloom or would like to resell it, a knowledge of vintage jewelry marks will help you to identify and date it properly.
Vintage jewelry hardware refers to the various types of clasps, pins, earring backs, rings, and other elements used to create jewelry. These are also called “findings.” Techniques and elements have evolved over time, so knowing the types of hardware used during various eras will help you to properly date your vintage and antique jewelry.
What do purity marks mean on vintage jewelry?
Maker’s marks – the firm or person responsible for guarantee of the purity mark (usually the firm or artist who manufactured the jewelry) Dateletters – indicates when it was made The photo below shows some of the most commonly seen vintage jewelry silver purity marks. Purity marks for older silver pieces can differ from those commonly seen today.
