QuestionMy mother-in-law left me a platinum diamond ring. I am guessing it is from the early 1950's. It has a mark that looks a bit like a Christmas tree, made from what appears to be a "J" on the left, a "P" on the right, and a "T" being made by adding a carat mark over the top of those 2 letters. Does this mark give you any information about the ring? Thanks for taking my question.
AnswerHi Bobbie, it can be pretty difficult to identify a manufacturer's mark or a hallmark without a picture and the letters could mean just about anything, but from what you have described, it is possible that the letter "J" signifies the date when it was assayed (2009) and the "P" could mean that it was hallmarked in the Czech Republic. It could also mean Joseph Price, Birmingham. The number on it will indicate the fineness or purity of the platinum.
Hallmarking, however, was introduced in the UK in 1973 and anything prior to that was simply marked "Platinum" or "Plat". Here's a page which might help you identify any symbol or maker's mark that your ring might have:
http://www.theassayoffice.co.uk/convention_marks.html
http://www.silvercollection.it/Englishsilvermarks3JTRE.html
Hope this helps.
