Understanding 14K Gold Stamping: What to Know

Question
Hi,

I purchased a ring at an auction and it turns out it is a 14k gold ring with a real diamond in it (I had it tested by a jeweler) but it doesn't have a 14k stamp on the inside.  I know the shank has been replaced because the solder was slightly off color at the joints which I had repaired.  The stamping could just be on the old shank, but I thought it was strange that it wasn't stamped anyway.  Could this point to the age of the ring?  Or does it mean that it was most likely hand made?  What do you think?

Thanks!

Megan

Answer
Hi Megan,

I would suspect that the ring was worn a lot and the shank was just worn out and replaced. The jeweler who did it just didn't restamp it. It could mean many things but this is the most common reason a quality stamp is missing. Sounds like you did good!

Peter