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Ring markings – Hallmark?

Ring markings – Hallmark?

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6:00 am
March 24, 2009

Jacquelyne

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Hi,

I bought a lovely Ruby and diamond ring from an Antique dealer a couple of days ago. I'm interested in learning more about it.

There is no hallmark on the ring but there is a mark that reads 9ct PLAT. Can anyone tell me what this means?

If a ring is not hallmarked, does this impair the value? How can I tell what era this ring is from just by looking at the style.

Regards,

Jacquelyne

4:18 pm
March 24, 2009

Ann-Elizabeth

Admin

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Hi Jacquelyne – Ann here.

The ring IS Hallmarked with 9ct PLAT which simply means it is 9 carat (karat) gold with Platinum (probably on the gemstone setting).

Please remember we can't see a photo (shame) of the item.

Now as to age – Just because we find something in a Stable doesn't mean it's a Horse – Please excuse my loose reference to the Birth of Jesus.

So just because something came from an Antique Store – doesn't mean it's an antique either. The TRUE meaning of the word Antique is an item made during the Georgian period.

Antique is NOW normally associated with items over 100 years old but in the States (you didn't say where you were from) it's acceptable if it's just 50 years old.

The stamp or hallmark on this ring would indicate items made after the second world war although again, as I can't see it – could be between the wars. So that would put it in the Vintage Jewellery class.

This mark would NOT impair the Value but it wouldn't get a 'Bump Up' in price like a full UK Hallmark would get.

Remember – it's still just a 9ct ring. Most of the value is in the gemstones and you mentioned they were Roby and diamond?

Please get this checked as diamond and precious gems were NOT OFTEN (again we can't see, measure or test) seen in 9ct gold.

cheers – Ann

Because it doesn't have to be Gold to be Valuable

8:40 am
March 25, 2009

Jacquelyne

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Hi Ann,

Many thanks for coming back to me, that info is very helpful.

I purchased the ring from a dealer whom I have known for a while and I regularly visit her shop so I'm confident that the stones are ruby and diamond as she told me but I will get this checked out. I live in Surrey in the UK and this is where the ring was purchased. If you want to see a picture, I have posted one here (although I know you can't offer much advice based on a photo alone) – http://www.mythings.com/viewitem.aspx?itemid=1551090

The 2 diamonds I would estimate to be just over 1/4 carat each but I'm judging this on another diamond ring I own that contains two 1/4 carat stones. The ruby measures approx 6mm x 8mm.

I have a number of items which I'm planning to have professionally valued soon so I will take this ring along to see if they can confirm the stones are genuine and provide me with any further info.

I'm really interested in learning about antique/vintage jewellery so I have invested in some literature to help me learn the basics. I'm especially interested in rings and I'm looking to purchase a few as an investment but first I need to get clued up on whats what!

Regards,

Jacquelyne