FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Hallmarks & Metal Stamps
What is a hallmark or metal stamp?
A hallmark or stamp is a mark struck, engraved, or cast into a piece of jewelry or metalware. It is a recorded claim made by a manufacturer, assay office, or trade body at the time the piece was made. Vintage-O-Rama transcribes any visible marks exactly as they appear on each item and includes that information on the product page. We do not alter, interpret, or guarantee the meaning of a mark beyond what is physically present.
What do common sterling and gold marks mean?
Below are marks you may encounter in our listings and what they typically indicate. Because these marks were self-applied by manufacturers in many countries across many decades, they describe an intended standard — not a laboratory-verified result.
- STERLING / STER — Indicates the maker claimed a silver content of at least 92.5%. Common on American pieces from the late 19th century onward.
- 925 — A numeric equivalent of sterling (925 parts per thousand pure silver). Widely adopted internationally from the mid-20th century onward.
- 800 / 830 / 900 — Continental European silver standards (800–900 parts per thousand). Lower silver content than sterling.
- GF / G.F. / Gold Filled — Indicates a base metal core bonded with a layer of karat gold meeting a minimum thickness standard. Not solid gold.
- GE / G.E. / Gold Electroplate / EP — A very thin layer of gold applied by electroplating. Not solid gold and not gold filled.
- RGP (Rolled Gold Plate) — A thin layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. Less gold content than gold filled.
- 10K / 14K / 18K / 22K / 24K — Karat marks indicating claimed gold purity (e.g., 14K = 14 parts gold out of 24, or approximately 58.3% pure gold). These marks appear on pieces the maker represented as solid karat gold.
- HGE (Heavy Gold Electroplate) — A thicker electroplated gold layer than standard plate, but still not solid or filled gold.
- SILVER PLATE / SP — A silver coating over a base metal (often copper, brass, or nickel silver). Not sterling.
- COIN / COIN SILVER — Typically indicates approximately 90% silver content; common in American pieces made before widespread adoption of the sterling standard.
How does Vintage-O-Rama record marks on product pages?
We photograph and transcribe marks exactly as they appear. Our listings will state something like: "Stamped: 14K" or "Marked: STERLING". This means we observed and recorded that mark — it is not a representation that the piece has been independently tested or appraised. If a piece bears no visible mark, we will note that as well.
Does a stamp prove the piece is solid, filled, or vintage?
Not on its own. Stamps are self-applied claims. Over the decades, some pieces were mis-stamped, stamps have worn away, and marks from different countries follow different standards. A 14K stamp means the maker represented the item as 14-karat gold — it is not a guarantee of purity without independent testing. Similarly, a STERLING stamp indicates a maker's claim of 92.5% silver content, not a certified assay result.
Can Vintage-O-Rama authenticate, appraise, or certify a piece?
No. We are vintage dealers, not gemologists, assay offices, or appraisers. We describe items honestly and record visible marks accurately, but we cannot and do not offer authentication, appraisal, or purity certification. If you need a formal determination of metal content or value, we recommend consulting a certified appraiser or a professional assay service.
What if a piece has no mark at all?
Many genuine vintage pieces — especially older or hand-crafted items — were never stamped, or the mark has worn away with age. The absence of a mark does not automatically mean a piece is not what it appears to be; it simply means we cannot cite a maker's stamp as supporting evidence. We describe unmacked pieces based on visual inspection and note the absence of markings clearly in the listing.
I have more questions about a specific item. How can I ask?
Please use the contact form on our Contact page or send a message through the product listing. We are happy to provide additional photos of marks or details to help you make an informed decision.