Decoding Jewelry Hallmarks: Understanding 10K Gold & Heart Symbols

Question
I recently was given a ring by my boyfriend, it has a sapphire and several diamonds. It has markings on the inside of the ring. 10KC and then a heart shaped symbol. Can you give me an idea as to the letter C and the heart shaped symbol? I know that the 10K is symbolic for 10 Karat Gold. Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Aimee,
Thank You for your question.
The "C" and heart shape you are seeing is a jewelry hallmark or makers mark. There are as many marks as there are manufactures so it is exteremely dificult to connect a paticular company with an item of jewelry.
Here are some ways to narrow it down.
1. Try to find out the origin of the ring from the jeweler you purchased it from. If it was left to you or was a gift see if you can locate a jeweler in the city the original owner was from.
2. Ask jewelers that may know the marking from an area you believe the owner lived.

There are some hallmark publications out there for jewelry however they dont contain a complete listing.

Good luck,

Arthur DeMello GG (GIA)