Lost Antique Hallmark
Lost Antique Hallmark Question: I took my great-grandmother’s ring (5 diamond ring set in platinum with 18ct gold shaft) to a reputable jeweler and goldsmiths.
Jewellery Manufacture and Repair
Price: $20.05 USD
I asked them to secure some of the stones as they were loose and to size it for my finger.
When I picked it up they had replaced two platinum clasps but had also thickened the shaft with new 18ct gold, thus losing the hallmarks.
I am very upset about this as I have no record or memory of the hallmarks.
Is there anyway the shaft can be restored so that the hallmarks can again be seen?
Has this affected the value of the ring?
I hope you can help, Lisa
Answer: G’day Lisa and many thanks for your query.
I assume they replaced two of the ‘Claw’ settings (platinum) but generally a jeweler would cut the SHANK (band) and either take a small piece out (to reduce the size) or add a small piece in to make it bigger. This is the standard way to re-size a ring, as flowing solder into the shank would not have the same effect.
So I am assuming you had it made smaller, and the part which was taken out (especially if it was thin) was the bit with the Hallmarks on. If so - it’s gone forever. Sorry.
This is one of the reasons we highly recommend everybody have their jewelry appraised because that will record all the details. In our case, the Online Appraisal Kit would even allow you to upload a photo and detail the Hallmarks.
The lack of Hallmarks (did they not re-stamp the shank with a basic 18kt mark?) will reduce the value - but that is offset by the improved condition of the ring - so they balance out.
Trouble is, sentimental value has been lost which can’t be replaced.
Check any OLD appraisal Certificates to see if the details had been recorded. Have you tried talking with the jewelers as they MAY have a record for Identification purposes.
You might also try talking with any other jeweler who had your jewelry over the years, just in case they kept identification marks in their records.
The main thing now is NOT TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AGAIN!
If you have other jewelry - get them appraised. Our Online Appraisal Kits which you can do yourself, keeps the records for 7 years and even allows you to upload a photo of each item for safe keeping.
Sorry to be so negative - but this is all we can suggest.
You might also like to add this query to my blog at http://how2valuejewelry.com/ as other may have had a similar problem. Can’t hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.
Hope this helps…
If you liked that post, then try these...
About Us by gemmo1 on November 30th, -0001
David and Patricia have been involved in the Antique Trade for over 35 years, both in the UK and for the past 25 years in beautiful Australia.
Rose Gold by gemmo1 on March 13th, 2007
Rose Gold.
Hallmarking Hints and Tips - Part IV by gemmo1 on April 6th, 2007
Hallmarking Hints and Tips - Part IV
G'day and many thanks once again for your interest in our mini-series of articles entitled.
Arts and Craft Jewelry by gemmo1 on November 25th, 2006
Arts and Craft Movement.
Limoges Brooch Identity? by gemmo1 on July 15th, 2007
Limoges Brooch Identity Question: I cannot find any info on a "Limoges-round-porcelain-hand painted with an image of who i believe is blueboy and pinky.
Posted
on
Friday, July 13th, 2007 at 10:51 am under
That was really good information - thank you.
I was wondering - as the hallmarks will now never be known - will I ever know how old the ring is?
July 13th, 2007 at 1:45 pmG’day Lisa and many thanks for your comments - and your patience - as we have been unable to get online for several days due to the storms here in Australia which knocked out our telephone lines.
But in answer to your comment: Unfortunately - no. We can only look at the style and existing evidence (old appraisal certificates etc) to estimate an approximate age - that is all.
July 13th, 2007 at 1:47 pm