Business: Fetheray Ltd
Effective Date: 01/01/2016
Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures followed by Fetheray Ltd when identifying, dating and describing antique and vintage jewellery offered for sale. It is designed to ensure that all items are accurately represented, comply with relevant UK legislation, and reflect accepted industry standards and best practice.
Our Expertise
Fetheray Ltd specialises in antique and vintage jewellery dating from the 1700s through to the early 2000s.
Our team has over 60 years of combined experience in the buying, selling, researching and identifying period jewellery. This experience is supported by ongoing research, reference materials, auction records and recognised jewellery history.
Dating Procedure
Each item is individually assessed before being offered for sale. Dating is based on a combination of factors rather than a single characteristic.
These may include:
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Overall design and style consistent with a recognised historical period.
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Manufacturing techniques and methods of construction.
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Hand fabrication versus machine manufacture.
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Clasps, catches, hinges, pin fittings and fastenings.
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Gemstone cuts and setting styles.
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Wear patterns and natural ageing.
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Tool marks and finishing methods.
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Maker's marks or other identifying features.
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Comparison with documented examples in recognised reference books, museum collections and reputable auction archives.
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Provenance or supporting documentation where available.
Where appropriate, a date range is given rather than an exact year to reflect accepted practice within the antiques trade.
Precious Metal Authentication
Before an unhallmarked item is described as gold, silver or platinum, reasonable steps are taken to verify its metal content.
Methods used may include:
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Acid testing.
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Electronic precious metal testing.
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XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis where available.
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Examination of existing hallmarks, part marks or maker's marks.
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Assessment of period manufacturing techniques and alloys consistent with the estimated date of manufacture.
Only when satisfied that there is a reasonable basis for identification will an item be described as a precious metal.
Hallmarking Compliance
Fetheray Ltd complies with the requirements of the UK Hallmarking Act and associated legislation.
Where an exemption applies to antique jewellery manufactured prior to 1950, the business will only rely upon that exemption where there is a reasonable and professionally supported basis for concluding the item predates 1950.
Descriptions are prepared in good faith following careful examination and testing.
Record Keeping
Where appropriate, records may be retained including:
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Photographs of the item.
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Estimated manufacturing period.
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Notes supporting the dating assessment.
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Results of any precious metal testing.
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Provenance or supporting documentation where available.
These records demonstrate the due diligence undertaken before an item is offered for sale.
Continuous Professional Standards
Fetheray Ltd is committed to maintaining high professional standards through continued research into jewellery history, manufacturing techniques and hallmarking legislation.
Where there is any uncertainty regarding an item's age or precious metal content, additional investigation will be undertaken before the item is described or offered for sale.
Hallmarking of Antique Jewellery
Where an item has been professionally assessed as having been manufactured before 1950 and qualifies for exemption from compulsory hallmarking under the applicable UK hallmarking legislation, Fetheray Ltd will generally preserve the item in its original state rather than apply a modern hallmark.
Whilst we are happy to arrange modern assay and hallmarking at a customer's request, we believe that applying a contemporary hallmark to a genuine antique can alter the item's original condition and historical authenticity. A modern hallmark reflects the date on which the item was submitted to an Assay Office, not the date on which it was manufactured, and may lead to confusion regarding the piece's history.
Our preference is therefore to preserve the integrity of qualifying antique jewellery wherever possible, whilst ensuring that any description of precious metal content is supported by appropriate examination, testing and professional assessment.
Where an item does not qualify for exemption, or where there is insufficient evidence to support such an exemption, we will comply with the requirements of the UK hallmarking legislation before offering the item for sale as precious metal.
Statement
All descriptions provided by Fetheray Ltd represent our professional opinion based upon careful examination, testing where appropriate, recognised industry knowledge and over 60 years of combined experience in antique and vintage jewellery. We aim to ensure every item is described honestly, accurately and in accordance with UK consumer protection and hallmarking legislation.