Fine Irish Jewelry
If you are shopping for Irish jewelry, chances are you have a specific purpose in mind. Whether you collect this fine jewelry for its historic meanings and artistic designs, or are looking for a perfect gift for a loved one, you can identify and date jewelry by the official hallmark stamps on different pieces.
In 1637 Ireland was under the reign of Charles I and Irish law required that all Irish jewelry professed to be made of precious metals be assayed and stamped with:
1. The traditional letter symbol for the year it was made
2. A fineness mark that guaranteed the purity of gold
3. The insignia of the Irish Assay Office in Dublin Castle
The test performed on fine jewelry then is a test still commonly used today on Irish jewelry and other jewelry throughout the world that is made of gold, silver or platinum. The process is called an "assay". This process tests the purity of an alloy. Official assay offices in Ireland require that a very small scraping of metal be collected from a piece of jewelry so it can be tested for the purity of its properties. Depending on the quality of the metal, the assay offices assign an appropriate hallmark.
Did you know that gold is mixed with other metals to make gold jewelry? When you hear someone say a piece of Irish jewelry is 14 karat gold, that is an indication that gold is mixed with other metal at a ratio of 14/24 (gold) and 10/24 of some other metal. A karat represents 1/24 of the overall makeup of the jewelry.
Irish law does not permit a half karat tolerance as the United States' regulations allow. Therefore, you are likely to get more pure materials when you buy Irish jewelry. When you are told you're getting 14 karat gold in Irish jewelry, you can rest assured 14/24 of the piece is gold.
Irish jewelry makes a wonderful gift for anyone and particularly those of Irish descent. Consider giving a gift of a family crest ring, tie tack or pair of cufflinks. There are also many popular designs of ladies necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings to choose from. Men will also proudly wear a gift of Irish jewelry, particularly if the jewelry has significant meaning to them.
Shop for Irish jewelry online or in fine jewelry stores that focus on international imports. Before you buy, research the different meanings of Irish Symbols
and read the stories behind them!
