Hallmarks

Gold

Eagle profile facing right

French guarantee hallmark since 1838. The number 1 to 3 within the outline indicates purity; inspect it with a ×10 magnifier on the clasp or ring.

Front-facing owl in an oval

Guarantee for gold items imported into France (1893–1970). Later replaced by the importer’s responsibility mark.

Shell

Low-purity gold hallmark, used in France since 1994.

Four-leaf clover

Intermediate purity authorised in France since 1994.

999, 916, 750, 585, 375

Parts per thousand of fine metal. Often accompanied by the convention hallmark (scales and number) recognised between signatory countries.

Helmeted profile of Minerva

Number 1 = 950‰; number 2 = 800‰. French hallmark since 1838, located near the maker’s mark.

Crab

Used for small items (rings, buttons) before 1962.

Weevil (insect)

Guarantee for imported silver items (1893–1970).

“925” or “Sterling”, lion passant in the United Kingdom

The most common international purity. An item that is merely “silver-plated” has no silver metal value.

Dog's head

French platinum hallmark since 1912. International marking “PT950” or “PLAT”.

Profile of Medea

French palladium hallmark (500, 950 or 999‰) since 2010. International marking “PD950” or “PD500”.

Diamond containing initials and a symbol

Identifies the manufacturer; always accompanies the guarantee hallmark in France.

“GP”, “RGP”, “GF”, “plated”, “filled”

These indicate plating only: precious metal value is almost zero. If in doubt, have the item tested by a professional.