Appendix II

Requirements for Stamping

All jewelry items will be stamped with the following information per the requirements established by the National Gold & Silver Stamping Act 15 U.S.C., sections 291 through 300 and the Federal Trades Commission's Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries 16 C.F.R. Part 23.

  1. Hallmarks
  2. Supplier's Trademark
  3. Diamond Stamping
  1. Platinum will be stamped PLAT / PT950 / PT900.
  2. Karat gold will be stamped with one of the following:

    10 karat gold 10k or 10kt 417
    14 karat gold 14k or 14kt 585
    18 karat gold 18k or 18kt 750
    Baht gold 23k or 23kt 96.5
    Sterling Silver   925

Stamping of the trademark will be placed as closely to the hallmark as possible and will be approximately equal in size. Locations of stamping are as follows:

  1. Rings: Stamping placement inside shoulder of the shank as to not affect the resizing capabilities.
  2. Earrings: Each earring post requires both the hallmark and trademark of the supplier. It is sufficient for the back of the earring to be stamped with the correct hallmark and finding companies trademark.
  3. Pendants require the placement of the hallmark and trademark on the back of the bail or on the rear of the mounting.
  4. Chains: The supplier's trademark and hallmark can be stamped on the clasp tongue, jump ring or metal plate connecting the clasp.
  5. Bracelets are to be stamped on the clasp junction, tongue, or safety latch.

All merchandise will be stamped inside the shank using the following examples:

  1. If the item has a center diamond, the minimal acceptable weight of that stone will be stamped. For example, a 1/4 carat should be stamped 0.23ct. If a contract range is established for a minimum then the minimum range should be used. For example, 0.23-0.27 carat is acceptable, then 0.23ct should be stamped.
  2. If the exact weight of the main diamond is known, and it exceeds the minimum, that weight should be stamped.
  3. If there is no main diamond, and the item is a one carat total weight, 1.00 CTW. Should be stamped. If a range is established by the contracting officer, the minimum required weight should be stamped. For example, an item with 20 diamonds with a range of 0.95-1.10CTW. should then be stamped 20/.95CTW.

(Updated 22 June 2010)