Hi, Can anyone tell me when stamping silver with the words STERLING SILVER first began?
I have an Aesthetic Movement bangle which is not hallmarked but is stamped as sterling silver in lettering. Did stamping jewellery with lettering precede the Aesthetic Movement (1860-1900) or might my bangle be from a later period copying the style of the Aesthetic Movement?
An internet search tells me that the sterling silver standard was adopted in the USA around 1870. The exact form of wording would no doubt have been down to individual manufacturers.
Thanks, it could be the real deal then. Best wishes.