QuestionI have a ring that has P14kt in it, and i was wondering what the P stood for, does that mean the ring is fake? Please let me know. Thanks!!
AnswerApril, this is a good question. I had a similar question a while back and will quote this paragraph from it:
What is plumb gold? Think of a plumb bob as used by a carpenter to show a line straight up and down and on the mark. In about 1981 the National Gold and Silver Marking Act went into effect and that required jewelry makers to heed a finer line in marking the karat of gold in a jewelry item. Before, the standards allowed 1/2 karat variance and the new standards brought that much, much closer. To let consumers know their new products met the higher standards, for a while makers put the letter "P" in the stamp beside the karat mark, such as 14kp. Nowadays the p is not used since much time has passed and all new items meet the current standards for gold content. If the "p" appears more a part of the 14k than of the other marks, it might be the old plumb mark, on the mark of the standards. If the p is with the other marks, then again I believe it is part of the maker mark and the 14k is the quality of the metal.
The real answer will be found by having a jeweler test the metal to see for certain.
The "p" has confused lots of folks, making them believe it meant plated. Who would ever think it means plumb! The key is the location of the p. This should be with the 14k, right there as part of that mark or almost touching the karat mark.
April, I hope this answer will assist you. Now, it is off to work for me. Have a fine day.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. March 4, 2008 8:50am
