The Encyclopedia · Metals & marks
Maker’s mark
The registered mark of the workshop or jeweler who made a piece; in France, struck in a lozenge.
A maker’s mark identifies the workshop or jeweler responsible for a piece. In France it is the poinçon de maître, struck in a lozenge shape and registered with the assay office, combining initials and a symbol. Many Paris houses had their jewels made by independent workshops, whose maker’s marks appear beside the house signature.
In Britain the equivalent is the sponsor’s mark; in Italy, the number in the star mark identifies the maker.
What to look for
A maker’s mark can confirm where and by whom a piece was made, and sometimes identify the workshop behind a famous signature.
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