Identifying Makers Marks on Metal Brooches: A Comprehensive Guide
Question
metal cameo brooch
I purchased a brooch/pin at a thrift store not too long ago and I suspect that it was hand made and think it might be made of gold. The brooch is about the size of a silver dollar, has a center cameo molded from the metal and has a sun like appearance to the overall pin because of the many points around the edges. There is much twisted metal wire work making swirly designs and there is also small balls of metal dropped on each edge tip. The reason I believe it was handmade is that the small balls are not unison in size. The look as if they were just dotted on as the pin was turned. On the back of the pin is a maker's mark on a small rectangular metal plaque that was added to the pin. I can't make all of it out, but it looks like either 7000, 700C, 70CC, 9000, 900C, or 90CC. Is this a mark you recognize? I'd like to know if this is just costume jewelry or the real thing. I would appreciate any help or information you could give me. Thank you. Susan
AnswerHello Susan and thank you for your inquiry. You have a very pretty brooch. I would suspect that the mark on the back is 900 which would stand for 900 silver. .925 is the mark for sterling silver but a lot of older jewelry was made of lesser silver content. None of the marks you list are familiar to me as gold markings. If you want to be sure, however, you should have your brooch tested by a jeweler to ascertain the metal quality. This involves the use of acid and should be done by a professional. Hope this helps and enjoy your cameo.
