Questionstamped inside a ring given to me is: 10k CI what does the ci mean? thanks monica
AnswerDear Monica,
I believe the CI is the mark of the manufacturer of the ring. CI is not one of the legally recognized terms used to mark the "kind" of gold you have in the ring.
You see, by law a ring does NOT have to have a karat stamp, like 10k. Of course, it would be difficult to sell something without a karat stamp, for sure. But, the law does require that anyone who makes a ring and puts a karat stamp inside, MUST also put their own personal stamp near by the karat stamp.
The reason for this is simple: If the karat stamp is there, the maker has to "sign" the piece with their mark and that means the maker is saying "this ring is really what the karat stamp says it is". This is the way the ring maker is held accountable and must put the correct karat stamp in the gold. It is much like signing you name to something, saying it is true.
The marks for gold are either K for Karat or numbers meaning the same thing, like 585 for 14k and 750 for 18k.
A mark GF means the item is gold filled, not solid gold but with a layer on the outside. A mark like HGE means the item is plated, a Heavy Gold Electroplate. You don't see the last mark very often but it is good to know and not be fooled into thinking the item is solid gold.
I cannot tell you what manufacturer uses CI as their name stamp. Be assured,however, that is most certainly what the CI really is...just the name of the maker.
If you have more to ask on this or another subject, please get back anytime. If you have more to ask on this very question, use the "follow up" option if you want to.
I hope this clears up the mystery! Thanks again.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
