The Encyclopedia · Metals & marks
Serial number
A number struck or engraved on a jewel by the house that made or sold it.
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and other houses number most of their pieces. The number helps to identify the piece in the house’s records and, with the signature, to place it in time.
What to look for
A number on its own proves nothing; it can be copied. It should be in the right form and position for the house and the period, and agree with the signature, the marks and the design.
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