QuestionGood Morning, I inherited a box of jewelry and one of the rings id stamped with 14K BOND. Can you tell me what that means? Gold over silver?
Thank you
AnswerBeth, without the band in my hands this is a difficult one to answer. I have to "suppose" a few things along the way. Fair enough?
Generally the term "bonded" is used to marked gold plated items. This is not an official recognized term in USA federal jewelry marking regulations. Bonded sounds much more market appealing than plated and sellers are using the term to describe both plated and gold filled items.
Is you band one of those? The only way to know for certain is to take the ring to a jeweler who will test the metal. The text will tell very quickly if the band is 14k gold or only coated with 14k layer.
This could also be a very correct marking according to regulation, with the karat mark (14k) and the makers mark (Bond would be the makers name). In that case, you have a 14k band!
Beth, is the ring worn and old? If so, look at the edges of the band, between the inside of the band and the outside. This is a area where plate or overlay will generally wear or become visible first. Do you see any greenish color or breaks in the metal? This if seen is a fine indication that the ring is not solid 14k gold.
My oh my, I do wish I had the band here. Testing would only take a moment and we would know for certain. So, what to do? Beth, the only reasonable answer is to take the band to a jeweler who will test the metal quality. Call first since some store do not have a bench jeweler or someone who knows how to do the testing.
If you need more info, please do not hesitate to get back using the follow-up option. I will be home most of tomorrow and Monday evening..after a wild ride on Christmas eve as a jeweler in a retail business.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. December 22,2007 3:21pm
