Were napkin rings always used in sets?

While many were sold individually or in pairs for daily family use, larger cased sets of four, six, or twelve were produced for formal dining. Numbered sets helped household members keep track of their designated rings between weekly laundering.

What does a Birmingham hallmark mean?

The anchor symbol indicates that the piece was tested and hallmarked at the Birmingham assay office in England. Additional letters and symbols nearby reveal the exact year of manufacture and the silversmith responsible.

How can I tell the period without a hallmark?

Stylistic indicators such as heavy Victorian cast grape motifs, Edwardian pierced work, or geometric Art Deco lines offer strong chronological clues. Construction methods and the materials used in the original presentation case also help narrow down the decade of production.