How do I read gold hallmarks?

Gold hallmarks typically consist of a sequence of stamps indicating the maker, the metal purity, the assay office, and the year of testing. By cross-referencing the date letter with assay office tables, you can pinpoint the exact year of manufacture. These tiny stamped symbols provide an unalterable historical record that protects buyers and confirms the authenticity of antique precious metals.

What is the difference between 9ct and 22ct gold?

The primary difference lies in the proportion of pure gold contained within the alloy, with 22ct comprising a much higher gold content than 9ct. This higher purity gives 22ct gold a richer, deeper yellow colour and a noticeably heavier feel. Lower carat golds like 9ct incorporate more alloy metals for increased hardness, resulting in a paler yellow or distinct rose hue depending on the copper content.

How can I tell a Victorian band from a mid-century one?

Victorian and Edwardian bands often feature distinct stylistic cues such as gypsy settings, intricate chasing, or specific assay date letters from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Mid-century rings tend to display simpler profiles or later London and Birmingham hallmarks from the nineteen-fifties and sixties. Examining the shape of the internal band profile and the specific form of the date punch helps clarify the exact manufacturing era.