QuestionHi There. I found a small round pendant which looks silver marked 825 with another faint mark I think which is A080 which has a small cluster of gems in it approx 25 in all that look like they could be some sort of clear crystal, cubic zirconia. Not sure. It is rounded in the front and hollow at the back. Do you know what this could be and who would make this type of jewelry. Thank You for your help.
AnswerG'day Jo and many thanks for your query.
The Hallmark is probably 925 not 825 as this is the International Decimal Mark for Sterling Silver. The gems would be something like CZ's as they would never put quality gemstones into a low priced metal such as silver.
The other mark A080 is simply a design or model number.
These items, while inexpensive and bordering on Costume or Fashion jewelry can be quite attractive and their designs sometimes can be very exquisite - just no value really.
Items like these are made for the low end of the market and can be found in Tourist destinations all around the world. Because of that - most are made in South East Asia or China, and while there are some good manufacturers in the States and Europe - they still remain 'Mass Market' jewelry.
There is no way of tracing the makers as there is no central registration required.
You might also like to add this query to my blog at http://online-jewelry-appraisals.com/ as other may have had a similar problem. Can't hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.
Hope this helps...
