Needless to say, systems for designating jewelry have been in place for quite some time. The French were well ahead of their game with a markers system that dates all the way back to the thirteenth century. But this came a long time after Great Britain’s 14th-century decree for hallmarking, which required a date letter stamp – a letter that would link to the year in which it was registered. In 1906, the United States mandated that jewelers add a purity mark on their wares in the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act. Markings are typically found on items made of silver, gold, platinum, and though small in size, they have quite a serious impact on an item’s worth. Throughout history, these marks were etched into noble metals to certify their legitimacy, leaving little-to-no question as to where each piece had come from. To back the authenticity of their pieces, jewelers will inscribe their wares with a distinguishing mark.

But first thing’s first: knowing what’s what. To make that educated purchase, here is everything you need to know. Whether you’re choosing a staple piece, an intentional family heirloom, or you’ve simply found a favorite at an estate sale (lucky you!), there’s a great deal of information that lives behind each piece of jewelry. Knowing what exactly to look for will help in deciphering a piece’s value, helping you make an educated purchase and ultimately feel confident in what you’re wearing or gifting. And when making a new purchase – especially a large one – proof of authenticity is abundantly important.įine jewelry lives in a world all its own, and wading through the expanse of real authenticity can be tricky. The modern world may not always outwardly show the true disparity between culture and class, but jewelry still stands as a highly prominent countenance of outward distinction. If we consider its interpretations in, say, the reign of Cleopatra, it was both a staple of her exotic style as much as it was a reflection of her eminence. Throughout history, jewelry has been an early identifier of a person’s social status. Ornamentation is nothing if not a reflection of one’s personal style, a marking of both taste and creativity.

It’s this process of authentication that endorses quality jewelry for what it is: a highly refined work of art. Distinguished jewelry requires the proper distinguishing marks.

Hallmark heartbeat necklace