Identifying & Valuing Antique French Jewelry: Brooch with 'DEPOSE SSM'

Question
hi bill,
i have just came across an old jewelry box in my house and found this beautiful brooche with matching earring and has made in france engraving and DEPOSE SSM.im trying to figure out what it means also to find out how old it is and its value. would appreciate your answer to this. thank you

Answer
Hello Leata and thank you for your inquiry. The word Depose when used in jewelry usually means trademarked or registered in France. The SSM may have some French assay meaning but I haven't been able to identify it yet. You may want to check out the following site that lists French hallmarks - possible you may find one similar to the one on your piece. Just click on or copy and paste the following url into your browser address field and hit enter:

http://www.925-1000.com/Ffrench_menu.html

Hope this helps !

Sally
jarrettsjade.com