Understanding Jewelry Markings & Signatures: A Collector's Guide

Question
Hello again, Bill & Sally!  Being a beginner on collecting vintage jewelery, I am confused on the markings.  Is there a difference between a piece being "marked" as opposed to being "signed"?  It seems to me, to be "signed" would mean in their own signature, and "marked" would be their name 'stamped' on.  Please help!  Thank you!

Answer
Hello Patty and thank you for your inquiry. Most jewelry collectors just refer to a piece as being "signed" whether it is an actual signature or logo stamp. If it is precious metal it is referred to as being "hallmarked". When listing jewelry for sale some will refer to the design of the signature i.e. stylized , block letters, etched signature etc. Now, having said that - some people just use the word "marked". Rarely do pieces have an actual full signature. Hope this helps !

Sally
jarrettsjade.com