QuestionI purchased a #1mom charm from an estate sale. The charm is stamped P14k. My guess is that the "P" means plated. Can you clearify the stamp P14k. Thank-you!
AnswerJerry, this is the second question today on the same subject.. : )
I suspect the mark means PLUMB gold. The term plumb comes from the word as used to mean "on the mark". A carpenter uses a plumb bob on a string to find a perfectly straight up and down line or position, to find a line which is on the mark he needs to make all square. For a while the P was added to gold quality marks to let customers know the item was made according to new standards which required more accurate measure of the gold in the items than previously.
Now, since older items made under the old gold standards are essentially gone from the jewelers show cases (except for estate and antique items), the P is not needed. All jewelry made since 1981 had to meet the new standards and does have to meet those standards today.
Back in 1976 the new standards were signed into law and were effective in October of 1981. Previously, manufacturers had 1/2 karat to play with in tolerance. This meant a 14k item could legally be 13 1/2 karat. Since the makers had no problem hitting 13 1/2 right on the mark, it was determined they could also come much close to 14k being what it is marked with less tolerance. The P is pretty much gone now but it simply means the items meet the higher quality standards.
The p does not mean plated in most cases. However, the P generally comes after the karat mark, such as 14kp. Still, a simple p is not a recognized mark for plated and I do suspect the charm is 14k gold.
If you have any doubts about it, a jeweler can test the gold easily for a fee. (Call first to be sure the store has someone there to do the testing since all stores do not do this service.)
I do hope this helps. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
