Hallmarks
Here are examples of hallmarks or makers marks found on Sterling Silver and Gold Pieces. If any of these seem familiar, please email us. We will help you identify your Antique Sterling Silver and Gold Hallmarks.
Hallmarks on silver and gold objects are essential for identifying the origin, maker, and purity of the precious metal. These markings serve as an authentication tool, ensuring that the piece you’re examining meets specific quality standards. If you’ve come across an antique silver or gold item and are curious about its background, this guide will help you recognize and understand its hallmarks.
What Are Silver Hallmarks?
A silver hallmark is a small marking stamped on sterling silver objects, indicating the maker, the place of assay (or testing), the year, and the purity of the metal. Sterling silver, for instance, is marked with a standard purity number such as 925, which means the item contains 92.5% silver. These sterling silver hallmarks are crucial for identifying genuine antique silverware.
The hallmark can also tell you which assay office tested the metal. For example, silver pieces stamped with a lion symbol and a letter are typically British and date back to specific centuries.
Identifying Sterling Silver Marks
When evaluating antique silver hallmarks, look for specific symbols and numbers. The hallmark often consists of a combination of a maker’s mark and purity marks like 925, 958, or 950 for Britannia silver. The number 950 hallmark silver denotes 95% pure silver, often seen on premium-quality silver objects.
Silver Markings and Symbols
Collectors frequently seek information about silver markings to authenticate the pieces they acquire. Common symbols include city marks, such as Birmingham silver makers marks or London silver makers marks. These not only represent where the item was assayed but can also help date the piece. Some hallmarks feature additional details such as the reigning monarch at the time, which further aids in dating antique silver.
In the image above, you can see a variety of British silver hallmarks, each one representing a different assay office or standard. From London to Birmingham, these hallmarks reveal the historical journey of each piece, helping to pinpoint its maker and authenticity.
Guide to Antique Silver Hallmarks
If you’re unsure about the meaning of a specific symbol, a comprehensive silver hallmark identification guide can be your best resource. With centuries of hallmarking practices, you may come across a variety of marks that denote everything from sterling silver makers marks to country-specific symbols. For example, the Birmingham silver makers marks often feature an anchor symbol, while London silver makers marks may include a leopard’s head.
Gold Hallmarks and Their Significance
Just like silver, antique gold hallmarks are used to indicate the purity of gold, such as 22 carat gold (marked as 916). Gold markings follow a similar structure, where the hallmark reveals the carat weight and, in some cases, the maker’s identity.
The chart above provides a quick reference for identifying common hallmarks for silver, gold, and platinum. For instance, Britannia silver is marked with the number 958, representing 95.8% silver content. Similarly, 22 carat gold is often marked with 916, indicating its purity.
How to Use a Silver Hallmarks Guide
When dealing with antique jewelry, it’s essential to understand silver hallmarks jewelry and gold hallmarks jewelry. A silver hallmarks guide can assist you in deciphering the intricate stamps found on these items. These guides often include tables that explain symbols like sterling silver hallmarks, Birmingham silver makers marks, and antique silver markings.