[Jewelry making - Article 01091] - Re: [Orchid] Properly marking jewelery

[The Doctor]

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>         How should I go about marking the fine silver chains I've
>     knitted, once I've soldered on sterling end caps and added sterling
>     findings? Where does the ".999" go? 

    You would likely be best off marking it with the lowest valued
    quality mark, in this case ".925" and providing a written
    description, valuation or affidavit that describes the rest of the
    component metals. Or, no quality mark at all. 

>          Similarly, suppose I make a pendant of sterling with keum-bo
>     or with 14K applique, and, just to be difficult, I set a stone in
>     an 18K bezel on it to boot? 

    Same as above 

>          On top of all these other difficulties, suppose the piece of
>     jewelry is some meticulously formed opus of art jewelry, meant to
>     be seen from all sides, and a quality stamp on it anywhere would be
>     like a pimple on Aphrodite's bottom? 

    Same as above, with no stamp or mark. Imagine looking for quality
    marks on mokume gane. Some pieces of same-quality metals may be
    marked, but mixed-metal pieces aren't likely to be. 

>         Does "disclosure" have to mean a stamp? Can I provide a
>     written affidavit?  I've read the material on the ftc.gov site, and
>     there seems to be nothing to indicate the proper protocols for such
>     pieces. 

    In the FTC guides, "disclosure" is discussed in these cases as a
    measure that is required if you mark or stamp a piece made of
    different metals that have a similar surface appearance. This
    measure is intended to prevent deception. If you create a piece of
    more than one metal (or one, for that matter), you don't have to
    stamp it at all. You don't have to provide anything unless you wish
    to, if your clientele will rely on your honesty and reputation. But
    if you do mark it, you have to mark it properly, and with your name
    or trademark. A description, affidavit or valuation, with or without
    a quality mark is never a bad idea. 

    A meticulously formed opus of art jewelry is usually accompanied by
    a detailed description and some sort of "I love me" artist
    statement, anyway. Since metals can be easily tested by competent
    appraisers, quality marking in the US isn't a requirement. Only your
    name or trademark is required if you DO stamp it. 

James in SoFl

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