QuestionAfter visiting a jeweler to find a wedding band, and doing some internet research, I've learned that jewelry stamped with a quality mark is required to carry a trademark, or "maker's mark," as well. My engagement ring is marked with "18K" and "750," but there's no trademark. When we first learned about this law, my fiance tried to return the ring to the store were he bought it, but they refused to take it back. They claim that the trademark must have been removed when they sized it, but I clearly remember there wasn't a trademark before it was sized. The only concession they will make is to stamp a trademark on the ring, even though this store did NOT actually make this ring. I seriously doubt they would put a reliable trademark on the ring. I think they're just trying to appease us. What can we do? Should we notify the Better Business Bureau? Can this store be criminally prosecuted for selling an "18K" ring without a trademark? I love my ring, but I seriously doubt it's 18 karat white gold. The rhodium plating has worn off now, revealing a yellow metal that occasionally makes my finger itch. Advice, suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help!!!
AnswerGreetings,
By your spelling of jeweller, I assume that you are in America.
Traditionally jewellery and metalsmithing carried three marks:
Hallmark which is the stamp of the assay office.
Makers Mark which is the stamp of the maker.
Assay mark which is the Karat of the metal.
I wouldn't be too concerned that there is no Makers Mark on your ring. Really this is only of issue if you had a piece by a master jeweller whose work may become rarer, and thus the ability to prove provenance may assist in re-selling in years to come.
I have never heard of your law, and to me it seems a bit ridiculous to try to return your ring.
The question that you need to ask yourself is whether you like the ring which you have purchased? If the answer is yes, the you need to ensure that it is in fact 18K which is quite a simple test. If that's all OK, then everything is sweet. If it turns out to not be 18K then there is an issue for you to follow up.
Personally I wouldn't want the mark of a chain store on my jewels, but for that matter I create one-off hand made pieces, of the quality that you are only going to get from the maker........not a chain store.
With regards having them prosecuted, I don't see the point. In all things the old adage of 'Buyer Beware' is something worth remembering.
The practice of Rhodium plating 18W is also a ridiculous thing.
The reason it is done is so that the piece reads as white like platinum. 18W is not white, it is very pale yellow and for that matter a much more beautiful colour. Rhodium has the knack of reacting with skin acid and thus requiring re-plating every 6 or twelve months. This is a ridiculous concept.
For my money, I would have the pate removed and have the real colour, or if you find that unpalatable the bite the bullet and get a platinum ring; it will however cost about 3 or 4 times the price. Otherwise you are in for a lifetime of refinishing and replating which really goes against the idea of the engagement and wedding ring.
If the metal makes you itch, then its likely that the 18W has nickel rather than palladium. Its just another recipe really and you may be allergic to nickel, or perhaps you've been playing with ring a lot which is irritating your finger.
I hope this is of assistance.
Good Luck, P
