Sterling stamp on bronze

Jewelry Discussion
1

In the June 2010 issue of Lapidary Journal, a bronze medallion with
silver accents is featured on P. 32. To my surprise, even though the
medallion is constructed of bronze, it is stamped on the back as
"sterling." No stamps indicating bronze. It does bear the name of the
metalsmith which is R. Hales.

I am puzzled. I thought that if one stamped a piece “sterling,” it
would have to be made of sterling, and not of another metal and just
adorned with some sterling. Am I mistaken?

Alma

2

There was at least 1 other piece similarly marked in the same issue,
I think. I was wondering about that myself, which was why I noticed.

Amanda Fisher

3 
I am puzzled. I thought that if one stamped a piece "sterling," it
would have to be made of sterling, and not of another metal and
just adorned with some sterling. Am I mistaken?

You are correct, the item is illegally marked. If there is a
sterling stamp on it the whole item needs to be sterling.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

4

From what I’ve been told the stamp should denote the lowest value
metal (in Australia), for example if you made a piece of Mokume Gane
out of 18ct yellow, 14ct rose, and 9 ct white, you have to stamp the
ring 9ct.

Regards Charles A.

5

Yes I saw that and noticed it too. It is wrong. The piece should not
be stamped Sterling according to the FTC guides.

I thought about writing to Lapidary Journal, but… too busy.

Michael