[Jewelry making - Article 00967] - Re: [Orchid] Using bi-metal

[Cynthia Wiig]

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    Hi - (Sorry to be a little wordy here.)  Thanks for all the input on
    this subject . . . it used to be clear as mud . . . now there is a
    semblance of clarity - at least, it is clearer to me in where the
    risk lies - in the results of our choices of how to stamp the work. 
    The laws are made to protect the consumer from fraud.  We are
    certainly not trying to create fraud - but the opposite - to create
    clarity.  Obviously, impossible - and too many stamp markings to put
    on one piece. 

    In most cases now, I have opted to just stamp the piece solely with
    my stamp and to not stamp the multiple metals used.  What bothers me
    is that down the line, someone (most likely, a family member who
    inherits the piece) will pick up the jewelry and wonder what it is
    made of.  I feel that the stamping clarifies that question and would
    save time in analyzing the piece.  I specifically disclose the metals
    and techniques used in written form along with the piece when it is
    sold - but surely those things are disposed of before long. 

    To me, it seems that the laws might need to be revised to
    accommodate a way for us to stamp our multi-metal/precious metal
    pieces.  In the grocery store, the ingredients are listed in the
    order of quantity used - from most to least - on the package.  It
    seems that perhaps there could be a similar simplified implementation
    of the order of stamping on our work.  It is often very obvious with
    the color differences in the metals.  Perhaps there could even be an
    added letter after the metal to designate that is plays a minor part
    in the piece - for example - 22kb  for a 22k bezel. 

    Customers (and recipients of the jewelry down the line) especially
    want to know the metal that is used for the earwires.  Btw - pardon
    my ignorance here, but, is there a shortened stamp coding to used for
    fine silver?  And also, if sterling or nickel silver pin findings are
    used - is it still allowed to stamp the piece fine silver (or
    sterling silver - even if a nickel silver pin stem is used)?  As I
    have understood it, the findings are considered separate entities,
    aren't they?  It is a convenience when purchasing earposts that are
    commercially made, that they are marked with 14k etc. 

    I wonder if there is a legal source for our industry that might be
    able to help with revising the regulations of this "gray" area - with
    the popularity of multiple precious metals being used together today?
     I'm sure glad, though, that in America, we are not required to go
    through the rigidity of the stamping laws in England.  As I
    understand it, what is clear in America is that if we don't stamp the
    work with any metal content - then, there is no legal issue. 

Cynthia

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