The Peterborough Examiner e-edition

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• Do start by determining whether your pieces are gold, platinum or silver. Look for a hallmark, or stamp—often found on jewellery clasps, backings or posts of earrings, inside rings and on the handles of flatware. There are a wide range of hallmarks that correspond to origin and history, such as the maker’s mark (a brand name), an Assay Office Mark (a symbol indicating where the metal was tested, such as a crown within a heart for Finland) and date letters (pertaining to a time period). The Standard Mark indicates the precious metal content—for instance, 999 means 99.9 per cent precious metal. Some of the most common are, for gold: 24K or 999, 18K or 750, 14K or 585, or 9K or 375. For platinum: Plat, Pt, 850, 900, 950 or 999. And for silver: Sterling, Ster, 925, .925, or a lion passant.

• If possible, do remove gemstones from old settings, since they won’t be considered in the offer, and keep them. You could use the money from the metal to invest in a modern redesign (think ear climbers, floating pendants and dainty rings).

• Do consider how you want to be paid—via e-transfer, cheque or enjoy an additional 10% premium payout with a Maison Birks gift card.

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2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepeterboroughexaminer.pressreader.com/article/281651077981386

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