Hallmark Identifier
Identifying hallmarks is one of the most useful skills a collector can develop. These tiny stamps tell you where a piece was made, when it was assayed, and what metal it contains. Our Hallmark Identifier helps you decode these marks quickly and accurately.
Example Hallmark Searches
Here are examples of common hallmark searches and what you'll find. These illustrate the kind of detailed information available in our database.
Search query:
"eagle head" French gold
French Eagle Head
The most important French gold mark. If you see this, the piece was assayed in France as 18K gold. Does not indicate the maker—that's a separate punch.
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"owl" import mark
French Owl Import Mark
Indicates the piece wasn't made in France but was legally imported and assayed. Common on British, Italian, and Swiss pieces sold in France.
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"lion passant" British
British Lion Passant
The quintessential British silver mark. "Passant" means walking. Different from the Scottish lion rampant (standing). Essential for dating British silver.
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"750" Italian star
Italian 750 Star Mark
The Italian hallmarking system uses 750 for 18K gold (750 parts per 1000). The star shape indicates Italian assay. A number code indicates the province.
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"anchor" Birmingham
Birmingham Assay Office Anchor
Birmingham became a major assay office due to the Midlands jewelry industry. The anchor identifies this office. Combined with other marks (lion, date letter) for full identification.
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"leopard head" London
London Leopard's Head
The oldest English hallmark, used by London's Goldsmiths' Company. Originally crowned (until 1821). Used on both gold and silver—other marks indicate metal type.
Popular Hallmark Examples
These are some of the most commonly encountered hallmarks on signed and vintage jewelry. Understanding these marks will help you identify pieces from major luxury brands and different countries.
Cartier Signature
Block letters "CARTIER" with serial number. Modern pieces include reference codes.
Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA)
Script or block "VAN CLEEF & ARPELS" often with French eagle head for 18k gold.
Tiffany & Co.
"TIFFANY & CO." with metal purity mark. Older pieces may show "T & Co."
British Lion Passant
Walking lion facing left indicates sterling silver (925). Essential UK hallmark.
French Eagle Head
Eagle head in shield indicates 18k gold (750). Standard French gold mark.
Italian 750
"750" star mark indicates 18k gold. Often with maker's code and province.
Bulgari
"BVLGARI" in Roman-style capitals, typically on the edge of rings and bracelets.
British Anchor (Birmingham)
Anchor mark indicates piece was assayed in Birmingham, UK.
Hallmark Identification FAQ
What's the difference between a hallmark and a maker's mark?
Hallmarks are official marks applied by assay offices certifying metal purity. Maker's marks identify who made the piece. A complete British mark includes: sponsor's mark (maker), standard mark (metal purity), assay office mark (where tested), and date letter (when). Our Hallmarks Guide explains the system in detail.
My piece has no hallmarks—is it fake?
Not necessarily. Hallmarking requirements vary by country and era. Pre-20th century pieces often lack marks. Small items may be exempt (UK exempts items under certain weights). American jewelry often has only karat stamps, not full hallmarks. Absence of marks requires other authentication methods.
How do I read British date letters?
British date letters change annually in a cycle. Each assay office uses the same letter for a given year, but font styles vary by office. The cycle repeats with different fonts. You need a date letter chart for the specific office. Our British Hallmarks Explained article includes date letter tables.
What does '750' mean on gold jewelry?
750 means 750 parts per 1000 pure gold, which equals 18 karat (18/24 = 0.75). Common purity marks: 375 = 9K, 585 = 14K, 750 = 18K, 916 = 22K, 999 = 24K. This decimal system is standard in Europe. American pieces more often show '14K' or '18K' directly.
Can hallmarks be faked?
Yes, but it's difficult to do well. Forged hallmarks often have wrong proportions, incorrect positioning, or anachronistic combinations. Experienced authentication looks at mark quality, appropriate placement, and consistency with the piece's apparent age and origin. When in doubt, professional authentication is recommended.
How to Use This Tool
- 1Select the country or region where you think the piece originated
- 2Choose the era if you have an approximate date
- 3Browse marks visually or search by description
- 4Click any mark to see detailed information about its meaning and history
- 5Use the image comparison feature to match marks on your piece
What This Tool Does
This tool provides a searchable database of over 100 common hallmarks from Britain, France, Italy, and other major jewelry-producing countries. Each entry includes the mark's appearance, meaning, date range, and context for interpretation. The database focuses on marks you're most likely to encounter on vintage and antique jewelry.
⚠️ Important Limitations
Hallmarks alone don't authenticate a piece—they're one data point among many. Marks can be faked, added later, or misinterpreted. Some legitimate marks are too worn to identify clearly. This tool is educational and doesn't replace professional authentication. When significant money is involved, always seek expert verification.
Need Professional Authentication?
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