Understanding Diamond Engagement Rings: Hallmarks & Gold Quality

Question
I hope you can help me.  My mother gave me a family diamond engagement ring and I noticed that there is no marking/stamping on the inside of the gold ring itself.  Do you know when stamping began?  And if there isn't any stamping, does that mean it's not gold or is it plated?  The color of the band itself isn't a yellow gold, it seems to be more of a bronzey-gold?  Also, I thought it was interesting that the ring looks like a complete one-piece mold and there is a hole on the underside of the band below the setting.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Lisa and thank you for your inquiry. Stamping or marking began at different times in various countries, but if the ring is gold it should be stamped. Your best bet is to have it tested by a jeweler for gold content. They use an acid to detect the karat gold. It does no harm to the ring if done properly. Usually precious stones are set in open back settings to let the light shine through, but this was not a hard and fast rule during the Victorian era. Sometimes precious gems were set in non-precious metals. That's why I say - to find out for sure, have it tested. Hope this helps and enjoy your ring !