Precious Metal Standards, Regulations & Marks
As the value of precious metals is determined from a measurement of fineness , most countries today have established laws regulating the manufacture and sale of precious metal items as a protection for the market and the consumer.
Extensive testing procedures have been developed over time that aid individuals in determining the fineness of each precious metal item. It is important to know how the value of any piece is reached so that the best determinations can be made about the quality.
We will explore the various histories and methods for setting standards, regulations, and testing for gold, platinum, and silver on the following pages:
Overview of Early History, Processes, and Testing of Precious Metals
Gold Standards and Regulations | Gold Manufacture and Sale
Platinum Standards and Regulations | Platinum Manufacture and Sale
Silver Standards and Regulations | Silver Manufacture and Sale
Precious Metals Testing | The Key to Determining Precious Metal Quality
Determining Precious Metal Fineness The purity of a precious metal is expressed in terms of its fineness, which is measured in parts per thousand. Since most jewelry is made from a mixture of precious and base metals, it is important that the metal’s fineness is accurately marked for quality control purposes. Since ancient times, both […]
Gold Manufacture & Sale Different countries have varying standards and regulations governing the manufacture and sale of gold jewelry. Countries differ in the type of marking system they use, allowable tolerances, and standards of fineness, among other things. With so much variation, it is easy to see why international trade in gold jewelry can be […]
Platinum Manufacture & Sale Platinum marks are a little more complex than those stamped onto gold jewelry. In the U.S., the manufacture and marketing of platinum jewelry is subject to the oversight of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). According to current FTC guidelines, to be called “platinum,” jewelry must contain at least 500 parts per […]
Silver Manufacture & Sale Every silver object made in Great Britain must be assayed to ensure it contains the correct amount of silver. As part of a long-standing tradition, all silver articles, whether made by hand or machine, are sent to one of the four Assay Offices in London, Birmingham, Sheffield or Edinburgh. There, a […]
Determining Precious Metal Quality Metals testing, or , can tell you the precious metal used, the fineness of the alloy, and if a piece of jewelry is solid or plated. Testing can validate the stamped marks on an item of jewelry, and it is a key component of professional jewelry appraisal and estate jewelry pricing. […]