Have you ever wondered about the letters, numbers or pictures on the back of Mexican Sterling Silver Jewelry? These marks are referred to as hallmarks or trademarks. They can help you identify where the piece...
"Hecho en Mexico" (Made in Mexico) sterling silver jewelry is varied, innovative and very wearable. Mexico has a long history of beautiful and inventive jewelry designs in sterling silver. All types of...
BEWARE of SELLERS who claim "Tested" or "Unmarked" for Gold OR Silver items! My father and I have owned a pawn shop for many years and I am very familiar - actually, an EXPERT in gold and silver testing. I did...
Hello vintage Jewelry lovers; As far as I know Alpaca is not a STERLING SILVER, Alpaca is a (Nickel, Copper, and /or Zinc alloy) that looks pretty much like Sterling .925 but it has lesser value than the...
This guide to help buyers aquire authentic Mexican Silver pieces by the famous Silversmiths of Taxco from the 30's thru the 50's. I look every day for pieces made the famous 1930's and 40's Mexican...
I have had several questions on Silver content in Jewelry so I thought I might offer some of the information I have come across. Silver content in jewelry is usually marked by a stamp depecting the amount of...
PARURE A full set of matching pieces, such as necklace, brooch, earrings and ring; Demi-Paure is two or three matching pieces PASTE Glass that has been cut and faceted to resemble gemstones, often diamonds ...
STERLING SILVER JEWELRY CARE This guide is divided into the following four areas:• Sterling Silver Information • Storing Sterling Silver Jewelry • Cleaning of Sterling Silver Jewelry • How to polish if tarnish...
As I noted in Guide #1, there are certain tricks of the trade, when it comes to thrift shopping. This issue will explore the standards you must set for yourself when you visit a store that sells donated or...
The late 30’s and early 40’s saw Europe going from the Great Depression directly into WW II. All luxury production in Europe came to a halt as resources were devoted to the war effort. This was most obvious...