Question hi are all platinum jewerlry have markings on it i have a chain that looks like platinum but has no markings on it at all it looks very old and unique thanks kim
AnswerHi Kim!
That is a great question, and many people are under the impression that a mark on a piece of jewelry is definitive proof of its composition. It is not. Often, a piece of jewelry that is marked is not of any value at all. Anyone with a stamp can mark an item made of metal, and not everyone with a stamp is honest! Furthermore, sometimes an item which is really precious metal is not stamped at all. In the many years that I worked in the retail trade I saw examples of this.
If you want to know whether a chain is real, it is best to visit your local expert. This might be an established mom-and-pop jewelry store, or it could be a local independent appraiser. The jewelry store in the mall is less likely to have an expert on staff, but you might try there as some stores do employ knowledgeable and well-educated people who have a lot of experience in the trade.
Good luck! I hope your chain is platinum!
David Fortier
Staff Gemologist
tiptopgem.com
