What is the gold hallmark?
All gold objects and jewels are normally hallmarked.
But what exactly is the gold hallmark and what does it mean?
What is the gold hallmark?
In jewelry and goldsmithing, the hallmark is a tool used to mark jewels and objects in order to certify the grades of the various metals.
Pure gold is very fragile and malleable. It must be combined with other metals to make it more robust.
This is an international standard valid in all countries.
In France, the guarantee offices (a government body) are responsible for controlling and marking precious metal items.
In particular, their mission is to ensure the conformity of the title of works in precious metals, and to mark them with the guarantee hallmark if they are legally titled.
But how do you identify the punches?
In the form of a symbol, specific to each grade (carat) and with a very specific numbering stipulating the percentage of purity contained in the object.
- Seahorse: 24K gold (999.99%o), i.e. 99.9% fine gold
- Circled eagle head with number 1: 22K gold (916%o), 91.6% fine gold
- Eagle head : 18K gold (750%o) or 75% fine gold
- Coquille St-Jacques: 14K gold (585%o) or 58.5% fine gold
- Clover: 9K gold (375%o), i.e. 37.5% fine gold
- Square: Gold-plated. A thin film of gold covering the jewelry, similar to gold leaf.
Yes, even gold plating has its own hallmark!
There are over 5,000 hallmarks in the world, and professional advice is essential to determine the gold purity of your jewelry! At GOLDMARKETwe offer a free appraisal of your jewelry.
Crucial for identifying what a gold hallmark is!
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Metal hallmarks or master hallmarks? What's the difference?
In addition to the hallmark imposed by the state and international standards, goldsmiths can also add their own master hallmark. These are complementary.
This is often represented by a rhombus. The jeweler can add an animal or the initials of his or her name. Each type of gold hallmark is listed in the catalog of specialized agencies.
So, before buying or selling jewellery, it's essential to get in touch with experts in the gold field, and to know what a gold hallmark is.
GOLDMARKET, the precious metals expert, answers all your questions. Buy and sell jewelry, bullion and bullion coins with confidence.
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