AboutThomas Expertise Have a question about jewelry repair or working with gold or silver jewelry and gemstones? I am a working professional bench jeweler, involved everyday with setting stones in mountings, designing and making jewelry, repairing and some custom manufacture. Over 30 years experience. If you work with jewelry as a hobby or as a profession, I might be able to help. I deal with the retail business, not mass production. Ask privately if you wish. See the box for that: It keeps your question between us. Please DO NOT ask MAKER'S MARKS, but metal quality marks are fine to ask. Please DO NOT ask diamond prices. See a gemologist for that.
Experience Education is English/Physics!Started in human resources, to advertising, to jewelry...wow, what a road. Now a jeweler for many years. I have had formal training in jewelry work and many shared experiences with top grade jewelers. We just never know were we will go or be. Follow your best, your dreams, with some discretion!
Expert: Thomas Date: 7/1/2008 Subject: markings on a gold chain from italy
Question Hello, I received a chain with the mark of ITALY on one side and SP10K on the catch and 10KGIMA (the G could be a 6) on the clasp. What does this mean? Is this some sort of plated gold? I have very sensitive skin and avoid anything but "real" gold. Thanks!
Answer Hi, Terry.
There is always some confusion as to what markings on gold jewelry actually mean. I will explain the basic way items are marked for sale in the USA.
According to regulations, a gold item which is marked with a karat quality mark must also be marked with the makers stamp. Strangely, there is not a requirement to mark a karat in the first place. However, if the item IS marked with karat, then the maker must by law put the makers mark on the item, a practice something like signing a check attesting to the validity of the item.
I have no way to know what the SP or the GIMA mean since these are not part of the karat quality marking system. These marks must refer to the maker of the chain in one case and perhaps an item id or an added maker mark in the other stamp.
I would be led to believe from the marks these are done according to regulation and the chain is 10k gold. If you are truly uncertain, it is easy enough to have a jeweler test the metal. If you choose to do that, call first to be certain the store does metal testing.
Terry, that should answer your question and I hope the info is helpful.
