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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
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 Shiebler "mixed metal" pin
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| Author | Topic: Shiebler "mixed metal" pin |
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jt251 Posts: 25 |
posted 02-03-2010 05:13 PM
  
[26-1954] I'm sorry my photos don't show the color of this pin very well. The little round balls are gold as is the circle surrounding them. There is also a trace of gold on the "eye" shaped design. The rest is sterling. The pin is marked "Sterling & 14K" with the design no. 690X. Because of the marking, I expected the gold to be solid and not gold overlay, which it appears to be under a loupe. I still like it, of course, but have to say I was a bit disappointed. Was gold overlay typically used in jewelry marked this way? Thanks for your help. IP: Logged |
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Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 |
posted 02-03-2010 07:20 PM
A number of years ago there was some uncertainty as to what Shiebler's 14K mark meant - solid gold inset or plated? Today we know that all the pieces with the 14K mark are plated. This does not necessarily hold true for other makers. Sweetser is a company that comes to mind. All of their pieces that I have seen marked 14K are solid gold. IP: Logged |
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Ulysses Dietz Moderator Posts: 1265 |
posted 02-04-2010 10:22 AM
I'd qualify the designation of this Shiebler as plated back to your idea of overly. Plating is not a clear-cut a term as it seems, and I suspect that Shiebler was not trying to pull a fast one, but simply complying within acceptable limits--there was indeed gold applied. Regardless, my real point is that it is a very interesting pin, and the absence of present of real gold is a minor factor in the quality of the pin. IP: Logged |
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Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 |
posted 02-04-2010 02:30 PM
Whatever the method of applying the layer of gold, aesthetically it adds to the beauty of the piece. Regarding the use of the 14K mark I have no idea as to what Shiebler's intent was, but I do know that it caused many to believe that gold was actually inlaid into the silver. IP: Logged |
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Kimo Posts: 1627 |
posted 02-05-2010 01:26 PM
I don't suppose anyone cared very much at the time it was made. Until just a few decades ago gold was not a very expensive metal and the amount that would have been needed to either gold plate vs. gold inlay would have been an insignificant value difference. Even today, considering the size of the balls and outline, and that they are 58% pure (14K) even if they were solid and not plated the amount of gold would be of minimal bullion value especially when you factor in the cost to melt it and purify it. As Richard correctly mentions, the important thing is it makes for a very pleasing design. [This message has been edited by Kimo (edited 02-05-2010).] IP: Logged |
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jersey Posts: 1203 |
posted 02-05-2010 05:21 PM
Hi! Interesting! Now another Question? Will this be the same for those mixed metal pieces with applied 18k? Thank you. Jersey IP: Logged |
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jt251 Posts: 25 |
posted 02-06-2010 12:53 PM
Thanks for the comments and information about this pin. I really like the design and have worn the pin several times already. I have to admit, though, I would have preferred the craftsmanship and more importantly, the staying power of inlaid gold. I was able to find a few things by Sweetser on the internet and some of them were quite interesting, so thanks for that too. This group provides a wonderful silver education--thanks to all the moderators and contributors! IP: Logged |
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