Hallmarks

The State hallmark: A Guarantee of the precious metals authenticity

The hallmark is the very last adjustment made on the jewels before they are put up for sale. It guarantees the standard of fineness of the precious metals used. Obviously, Philippe Tournaire’s creations comply with this standard.

In France, for precious metals like Gold, Silver, gold alloy and Vermeil, the piece authenticity is controlled and guaranteed either by the State or by an officially-approved organization. Hallmarks only appear on jewels that have been controlled by the Service de la Garantie which is incorporated into the Chambre de commerce et d’Industrie in Paris.

Gold jewels with a weighing less than 3 grams and silver jewels weighing less than 30 grams do not need to be hallmarked. However, for more security, they still need to be controlled by the Service de la Garantie.
 

The main hallmarks

 
The French assay mark for 925/1000 silver.is the head of the goddess Minerva (Minerva was an Italic goddess, protective deity of Rome and patron of craftsmen)
 
 


 
The most easily recognized and commonly seen French mark is the eagle’s head indicating 750/1000 gold (formerly called 18 carats). In its pure state (1000/1000), gold is conventionally described as being 24 carat. It is no longer allowed to use the term 18-carats during transactions in France.
 


 
A dog’s head for 850/1000 platinum.
 
 
 

The maker’s punch

 

The jeweller also get to stamp his own mark, it is called the Poinçon de Maître. Its shape is geometrical and contains letters and graphics that enables to identify the creator’s work.