Is it a legal requirement to stamp gold jewelry? If it is not legal, is there any reason that it wouldn't be stamped?
A client recently purchased a Geneve watch on-line from Bidz.com. The description was 10k. The watch was not stamped 10K, therefore they returned the watch.
The supposed retail value was $1550. They did not have it appraised.
ANSWER..!
The answer is - it depends...
The main reason I say that is because I don't know what country you are from (I'm assuming the States) where it is legal to stamp precious metal for COMMERCIAL sale.
Not all countries adhere to this.
Also in the States, if you were a small HOBBY craftsman, there is no need for you to stamp your jewelry either.
In most parts of the World, the Hallmark was a way in which the government certified the quality - but also to prove TAX had been paid (the latter being the more important to them).
Finally I might also add that the gold hallmark stamp on many gold watches are INSIDE the back cover of the watchcase. Did you remove the cover for examination?
Most Swiss watches are stamped in this manner.
The bottom line is: If you were not happy and had a full refund - no problems.
Check with other suppliers of quality watches in your area. You don't have to buy of course, but you can pretend you will while asking all sorts of questions which your local supplier should be able to answer.
Only then, when you are happy, make a buying decision.
As often mentioned, there is a FREE Hallmarking course available at the very informative website - Jewelry Antiques of the 20th Century - Why not sign up? (did I mention it was FREE)
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