Dating your Hermes jewelry is an essential step to determine its authenticity and value. Hermes is a luxury fashion brand that is known for its iconic designs and high-quality materials.
If you own a piece of Hermes jewelry, you may want to know when it was made, and how much it’s worth. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of dating your Hermes jewelry.
Step 1: Look for Hallmarks
The first step in dating your Hermes jewelry is to look for hallmarks. A hallmark is a stamp or engraving that indicates the metal content and the year of production. You can find hallmarks on the back or inside of your Hermes jewelry piece.
Gold Jewelry
If you have gold Hermes jewelry, look for hallmarks that indicate the gold content. Gold hallmarks are usually represented by numbers such as 750, which means 75% pure gold or 18k gold. You may also see letters such as Au, which stands for gold in Latin.
Silver Jewelry
If you have silver Hermes jewelry, look for hallmarks that indicate the silver content. Silver hallmarks are usually represented by numbers such as 925, which means 92.5% pure silver or sterling silver. You may also see letters such as Ag, which stands for silver in Latin.
Year Hallmark
Apart from metal content hallmarks, you should also look for year hallmarks on your Hermes jewelry piece. Year hallmarks indicate when the piece was made and are usually represented by letters within a shape such as a square or rectangle.
- A Circle – Represents items made before 1970.
- A Square – Represents items made between 1970 and 1999.
- A Diamond – Represents items made between 2000 and present day.
Step 2: Consult with Experts
If you cannot identify the hallmarks on your Hermes jewelry, you may need to consult with experts. Hermes has a team of experts that can help you identify the authenticity and value of your jewelry. You can take your piece to a Hermes store or contact their customer service for assistance.
Third-Party Experts
You can also seek the services of third-party experts who specialize in vintage and luxury jewelry. These experts have the knowledge and experience to identify hallmarks, determine authenticity, and value your Hermes jewelry.
Step 3: Check for Packaging and Documentation
Another way to date your Hermes jewelry is to check for packaging and documentation. If you have the original box or pouch that came with your jewelry, you may find information such as the year of production or a receipt indicating when it was purchased.
Authentication Cards
Hermes also provides authentication cards that come with some pieces of jewelry. These cards contain information such as the date of purchase, material content, and serial number.
Conclusion
Dating your Hermes jewelry is an important step in determining its authenticity, value, and history. By identifying hallmarks, consulting with experts, and checking for packaging and documentation, you can accurately date your Hermes jewelry piece. Remember that authenticating luxury items takes time, effort, and sometimes even money – but it’s worth it for peace-of-mind knowing that what you own is genuine!