Does sterling silver have a hallmark?
Look for a stamp with the symbols “Ster,” “925” or “Sterling Silver.” The 925 hallmark is the most crucial tip to determine if any piece you wish to buy is made of genuine sterling silver.
What does the maker’s mark on sterling silver mean?
There are guide books that can help you identify the date mark on most older pieces of sterling silver. The maker’s mark is a series of initials representing the name of the silversmith or company. They are set into a cartouche, usually the same as the other marks, but not always.
Where can I get sterling silver hallmarks done?
Below you can find links to other important pages that can help you identify your silver hallmarks. Sheffield Assay Office specialise in the hallmarking of Gold, Silver and Platinum. We also perform Laser Marking of the above materials, as well as custom requests. We can also perform any Analytical Services which you require.
How tall is the handle on a sterling silver hallmark?
The handle side is 4.5″ tall. The pour spout is 2″. The bottom has a raised crest with 3 raised marks. The first is a lion rampant mark, next to it crossed keys, and the mark below these is an Old English “P”. It appears to be silver plate.
What’s the difference between a 925 and a sterling mark?
The “925” mark did not come into common use until later. Some makers continue to use the “STERLING” mark in place of “925” even today. Vintage jewelry from other countries may have European purity marks, such as “585” for 14K gold and “750” for 18K gold, as shown in the photo below.
There are guide books that can help you identify the date mark on most older pieces of sterling silver. The maker’s mark is a series of initials representing the name of the silversmith or company. They are set into a cartouche, usually the same as the other marks, but not always.
How do you tell if sterling silver is a hallmark?
The hallmarks will tell you if the item is sterling silver, what town it was assayed in, the date of assay and the maker’s initials. The symbol for English sterling is a walking lion, or “Lion Passant”. Most countries that live under the reign of the British crown have their own sterling mark, instead of the lion.
Why do silver hallmarks have patent marks on them?
A single silver company could have used many different variations throughout the years, which means you can also use these marks to help date the piece. Many pieces also feature a patent date stamp next to the maker’s mark and silver content mark. The patent date does not indicate the date the piece was made.
The handle side is 4.5″ tall. The pour spout is 2″. The bottom has a raised crest with 3 raised marks. The first is a lion rampant mark, next to it crossed keys, and the mark below these is an Old English “P”. It appears to be silver plate.
