QuestionHi, I purchased a white gold ring which has 0.5ct pink sapphires across the top of it. The ring has a 10K stamp in it and a 'AU' stamp inside it. I'm not totally sure the ring fits the description above, which it is supposed to.
What does the 'AU' stamp mean?
Should the ring have more stamps inside it?
Is there a way to check if the stones are really pink sapphires and are equivalent to 0.5ct?
Kind regards,
Natalie
AnswerG'day Natalie and many thanks for your query
The first thing you should remember is there is NO world registry of Hallmarks and other countries do NOT have to comply with British, European or American Standards anyway.
This means basically that anyone - anywhere - can make and stamp their jewelry with whatever marks they want.
Naturally, if they want to sell their jewelry, they would at least stamp it with the gold quality. ie: 10K which suggests (not gospel by the way) is it AT LEAST 10 Karat gold.
The AU stamp can mean almost anything, such as a Maker's Mark or Initials - to a Store name - to a design mark - OR (maybe) in this case - AU is the International symbol for GOLD.
The gemstones would have to be tested to prove they are Corundum (Sapphire) so you would need to see a gemologist for that and have the ring appraised. This will cost a fee, but at least then you would have written documentation to prove what it is.
There is a Gemstone ID Wizard under beta testing at the VERY new website 'Gemstone Appraisals' at: http://www.gemstone-appraisals.com/ which you might like to check out. I believe this will be available some time in the next three months.
Hope this helps....
