How to Research Mexican Jewelry Marks
Mexican jewelry, by nature, is intricate, colorful and valuable in its own right. The makers' marks and hallmarks engraved on it for identification purposes, however, unleash an additional history and story of creation, age and worth. Each artist, as well as each individual piece, has a unique mark. Knowing how to read the story and background of the jewelry is essential to determining whether it is original or remanufactured. With a little education and by knowing where to begin, the history will unfold with fascinating depths.
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Instructions
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Makers' Marks Versus Hallmarks
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Learn to compare makers' marks and hallmarks. As these concepts, separately and together, determine the value and history of the jewelry, it's important to be able to identify them. A maker's mark is a mark of the creator or manufacturer stamped on the piece to distinguish the identity of the maker. The hallmark has to do with the content of the metal and distinguishing marks that make the specific piece unique.
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Determine the age and history of the jewelry using the hallmarks and makers' marks. The eagle mark, for instance, was used between 1946 to 1979. Therefore, a piece with this mark is at least 30 years old.
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Establish the value of the jewelry by the hallmarks and makers' marks. The eagle mark signifies that the piece contains at least 92.5 percent silver and is therefore of value. A Spratling signature on a piece is also a high indicator of its value.
Recognizing and Valuing Marks
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Familiarize yourself with the value of different marks by getting to know the major makers and their histories. One of these makers, William Spratling, is considered the father of Taxco Silver. Hector Aguilar, Antonio Pineda and Los Castillo are some other notables.
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Concentrate your search on the type of jewelry that interests you. Some varieties include Taxco silver and eagle marks. Narrowing your focus can make identifying and placing value on specific pieces a less tedious task.
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Acquaint yourself with the history surrounding individual marks and pieces. The history of the era greatly determines value.
Remanufactured Versus Original Marks
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Look for either the number 925, maker's initials or for a rare few, the eagle symbol to tell a reproduction from a genuine circa era piece. The maker's initials carries the most value. This is important, as popular and expensive antique Mexican jewelry, such as Spratling's Taxco Silver, is currently reproduced at an alarming rate.
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Inspect a piece of jewelry's level of wear. It must match the mark's circa era. Few genuine antiques will be in a new condition.
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Verify that the piece's hallmark and maker's mark matches the design of the piece. If the piece is signed by Spratling, but Spratling never created a similar design, it is likely a forgery.
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Tips & Warnings
Upon verifying the authenticity of a Mexican jewelry mark, it is important to look for certain clues. Get to know the imperfections that occurred in the different jewelry hallmark eras. If the flaws on the piece don't match, it is likely remanufactured.
The key to researching Mexican jewelry marks is education. It's important to not only read a variety of diverse opinions on the subject, but also to become knowledgeable about the different makers and hallmarks. Gaining a general understanding of the topic is crucial to discovering where to focus your research.
If researching marks to appraise and sell jewelry, don't expect an antique piece to go for the book pricing. Book pricing almost always assumes the piece is in perfect, unused condition and is otherwise subjective.
Genuine appraisals cost money. Don't expect to receive an accurate one for free on the Internet. Research sources can give you an idea of the worth and origins of an item, but to know for sure, it is important to go to a verified expert.
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- Photo Credit jewlery beads and charms image by Ralph Petty from Fotolia.com
