Jewelry Marks From The Past You Need To Know

Markings on jewelry can be hard to decipher. Markings include facts about your item you need to know like gold content, who made it or whether or not its plated.  I think most people are familiar with the traditional 14 K means 14 karat gold. This format for gold content is easily recognized by most of the world. Marks that are forged on either side of the 14 K are not so easy to decipher. Oh no! I was thinking the P L stood for plated. Or was it platinum? Somebody is going to re-examine her jewelry inventory.

14 K P L  = 14 karat gold plumb (full) originated from a system that accepted 13.5 karat weight as 14 karat weight. Many jewelers would add the "P L"to inform customers the quality of their product.

While searching for information pertaining to "filled" verses "plated" I found this post on Specialty Metal's blog.  Even if Barry Lenson wrote the post in 2014, the information is timeless. I have never seen an expiration date forged into a piece of jewelry. I have not conducted any business with this company, but I can tell you the site is user friendly and professional looking. Nothing flashes, pops or talks which is a huge plus in my book.

Click on the link above to read about vintage items (over 20 years ago) and their gold content. Things like trophies or commemorative items, eyeglass frames, cutlery, candlesticks or gold filled dishes among other items have a bigger gold content compared to the gold plated items of today. Who knew? The following are examples of the markings found on gold filled items from the past and what it means.

1/10 10 K means one tenth of the weight is 10 K or 10 karat gold.

1/10 12 K means one tenth of the weight is 12 K or 12 karat gold.

In my notes I found a few more markings and their meanings. Plus very useful tips for deciphering those marks. For instance, any 3 digit number stamped on a piece of jewelry is referring to purity of the metal that your piece is made of. 

Fineness	Karat	Gold Percentage
333	8 K Gold	33.3%
375	9 K Gold	37.5%
416 or 417	10 K Gold	41.6% +
583 or 585	14 K Gold	58.3% +
750	18 K Gold	75.0%
916 or 917	22 K Gold	91.6% +
999	24 K Gold	99.9%

Table of corresponding gold markings, and the gold purity they signify.

This chart was copied from Bellatory I just discovered this site too. It is a forum type of site with post written by the experts. The overall theme is beauty. If you decide to check out the entire site, let the rest of us know what you think about it in a comment.

A few more from my notes:  

AK 14 K  - "AK" is Turkish for "altin kaplama" which means "gold-plated" in the Turkey language.

From 1838 - 1919 a horse's head struck in solid 18 K gold jewelry and watches represents France.

14 K S means 14 K gold-plated over silver.

14 K C H usually means 14 K gold plating over copper.

In With the Old Bring On the New!

In With the Old

Vintage old that is. 1950's through the 90's is vintage and Vintage era. I had been researching antique style, while my collection blossomed into the styles of Vintage. 

S&S aka sweetandspark.com  educates their readers about vintage jewelry. Interesting facts and the how-to-wear posts are inspiring, They also sell one-of-a-kind vintage for a reasonable price. This is one of those sites to help me with dating my own pieces. School me on vintage costume jewelry by the decade.

Bring On the New!

I am talking about the new ideas for vintage jewelry. No matter what you call it; creative reuse, re-purpose or up-cycle. It's the same thing. I'm a huge fan of this type of "crafting." The traditional intention for the wearing of each item has it's place in jewelry history royalty. But, the new ideas are charming and sexy.

A vintage jewelry collection on display in a shadow box hung on the wall. A personal touch that shows off your talents. The earrings grandma wore when you were little always matched her necklace. Maybe you have a picture of her from back then. Get creative or just keep it simple, you decide. You know it will always make you smile when you look at it and remember. My point is don't just pack stuff away. If there is a lot, share with family members. I bet everybody has fond memories of your grandma.  Admiring your treasures is what it's all about.

Vintage brooches are becoming quite popular and can be seen attached just about anywhere.
I have seen a cameo brooch as the adornment for a loose bun style. The cameo was positioned on the back underside instead of the traditional front or on top of the style. It was subtle charm and I liked it. 

Creative suggestions can be found all over the Internet. That little pocket in a pocket does have a purpose. Very subtle, cute and charming.  

Don't stick to the traditional approach. Pin the brooch on the back, side or front. Maybe a cluster of two or more finishes the look. Put you're thinking cap on. Intended.

These items look as if they are missing something to me.  A set of brooches takes "matching accessories" to the next level.

A rhinestone brooch placed on the back of a dress, right on top of the closed zipper, adds the right touch of elegance and charm to an already stunning look.

Check out this link for more ideas. https://www.pinterest.com/sweetandspark/how-to-wear-brooches/?lp=true

More Secret Treasure Found

Oh yes, there's more...

The only thing that's missing from Antique Jewelry University, as dynamic as it is, are any mention of current values. That's where Lang Antiques (the mother ship) might be of interest. Here's a link or you can go directly from the Antique Jewelry University. High-end gorgeous pictures of gorgeous items for sale can be found on this simply elegant website. User-friendly and well-organized makes it a stress-free place to visit on the Internet. No pop-ups to ask for your e-mail, remind you to sign in or force you to buy/donate (same thing really). And no survey to take either. Take a peek. Looks like it's unanimous. This ostrich? pretty sure. Funny to me! And this doggy such a sweetie! Always Love Me Kitties! Picture number 2 is freaking me out. Funny? Yes or no, leave in a comment, please.

You really should take a peek. Wow! is all I'm saying. Just one more, Wow! I got inspired to create something on my own. There are many slide shows available to view for FREE.  Lang Antiques is an all-around class act. Need I say more.

*TECH TIP*

Use the arrows, top right of the page to view full screen for maximum entertainment of the slide shows. Would you rather read the book or go see the movie in a theater? You can toggle back and forth if your answer to the previous question was both.

*FYI*

The Antique Roadshow has a data base of every appraisal done on their show.  Just picking a category works but there's an option to narrow it down to specifics about your search.

This valuable resource is often overlooked. Magazines are packed with inspiration, websites, links, ideas, motivation, pictures, supply, opportunity, designers, fashion, trends and more like contests, letters, advice and more. 

Love to Know

It's not all about jewelry. There are a lot of jewelry posts and just about any other subject you can think of posts. with what could be the ONE. I can't  remember how exactly I found this site, other than my usual jumping from link to link like I do. I struck gold on this one and so will you. Bookmark it I got another one to tell you about.

The Spruce
"Make Your Best Home"

Another great site with numerous categories. Lots of good advice, referrals, etc. .

Thrifty Fun

Questions are asked and answered by the community. The layout is quick and easy to read. It has so much more depth of information than the menu implies. Dig in! Here's a link to the contests page. Win 50 bucks by submitting a tip, or answering a few questions Excellent resource for links that would not get discovered with a simple google search.

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An update to my sidebar link list is long over due, don't you agree? I will be returning to all of them, posting any worthwhile info I find. I want to know how to find them again.

Tag, your it.     Leave a comment letting me know your favorite site.