Soviet Silver Hallmarks Guide- How to Identify and Read These Silver Markings?

Soviet Silver Hallmarks Guide- How to Identify and Read These Silver Markings?

Soviet silver hallmarks were official stamps guaranteeing silver purity, origin, and age in the USSR. Until 1927, they followed Imperial Russian standards using the Kokoshnik (woman’s head in headdress). A new system adopted in 1927 featured a worker holding a hammer, Greek letters indicating assay offices, and purity numbers. In June 1958, the design changed … Read more

What is Green Gold? Is it Real? How is it Made? Is it Magnetic and Hypoallergenic? Does it Tarnish, Corrode and Rust?

what is green gold?

Green gold is a real gold alloy made from gold and silver, with its distinctive greenish hue coming from the high silver content. Small amounts of copper, zinc, and nickel are sometimes added for durability. Green gold exists in both natural and man-made forms. The natural variety is known as electrum, historically sourced from Lydia … Read more

What is 18k Gold? Is it Real Gold? What is its Worth and How Does it Compare to 14k Gold and 18k Gold Plated?

18k gold is a high-quality jewelry alloy containing 75% pure gold mixed with 25% other metals (copper, silver, or nickel) for improved strength and durability. It has a rich yellow color and is hypoallergenic due to its high gold content, though those sensitive to copper or nickel should choose certified nickel-free 18k gold varieties. To … Read more

Russian Silver Hallmarks Guide- How to Read and Identify Them? Including Info on the 84 “Zolotnik” Silver Marks!

Russian Silver Hallmarks Guide- How to Read and Identify Them? Including Info on the 84 "Zolotnik" Silver Marks!

Russian silver hallmarks certify purity, date, and origin using the Zolotnik system (in use from 10th century-1927). Common Russian silver standards include 84 zolotniki (.875 fineness, most common), 88 (.916), 90 (.937), 91 (.947), and 96 (.999 pure). Russian hallmarking system included four main assay offices: St. Petersburg (crossed anchor and scepter), Riga, Vilnius, and … Read more

British Silver Hallmarks Guide- Learn to Read and Identify These Marks and Stamps! Including Silver Hallmarks from Sheffield, Birmingham and all Other Currently Active and Closed UK’s Assay Offices.

British Silver Hallmarks Guide- Learn to Read and Identify Them! Including Silver Hallmarks from Sheffield and Birmingham

British silver hallmarks are government-regulated stamps guaranteeing silver purity, origin, and age. Five key mark types exist: Standard Mark (Lion Passant for .925 sterling, Seated Britannia for .958), Assay Office Mark, Date Letter, Maker’s Mark, and Duty Mark (1784-1890). Currently active assay offices include London (Leopard’s Head, established in 1300s), Birmingham (Anchor, 1773), Sheffield (Crown/Tudor … Read more

What is 14k Gold Vermeil? Is it Real Gold? Does 14k Vermeil Tarnish and Can it Get Wet?

14k gold vermeil is jewelry made by electroplating a thick layer of 14 karat gold (minimum thickness of 2.5 microns) onto sterling silver. This process creates durable, tarnish-resistant pieces that look like solid gold, but are much more affordable. 14k gold vermeil is hypoallergenic and non-magnetic due to its precious metal composition. It can get … Read more

Gen Alpha Social Media Usage: Statistics, Facts and Trends Guide for 2026

Gen Alpha social media usage statistics

Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is the first fully digitally-native generation, with Millennial parents and Gen Z siblings. They are highly active on social media, starting around age 8, with over 50% using platforms before age 12. YouTube (85%) and TikTok (60%) dominate, followed by Instagram, Snapchat, and niche apps like Noteit. Gen … Read more

Social Media Catfishing: Statistics, Facts and Trends Guide for 2026

Social media catfish statistics

Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online identity to trick others into believing they are real. Catfishers often use stolen images and personal information to create a persona that is more attractive or appealing to their target. The goal is to gain the trust of their victims and then use it for their own … Read more