916 hallmark with a star, what kind of metal is it, gilded silver or gold: composition, year of manufacture, cost of 1 gram, use of high hallmark today and antique antiques

The hallmark of a noble metal is a mark used to indicate the composition of jewelry. It gives us the opportunity to find out the percentage of gold and impurities in the product, therefore it is assigned to all gold alloys. In Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other CIS countries, there are 375, 500, 585, 750 and 958 samples of gold for jewelry. Where did 916 gold come from and does it exist?

Hallmark 916 on a gold item

916 standard what kind of metal is it: gold or gilded silver

916 standard can refer to both gold and silver. This is due to the fact that previously silver objects were often covered with gold, which is why they were considered gold. The metal corresponds to 22 carats or 88 spools.

The alloy was actively used even in pre-revolutionary times. Today masters practically do not use it.

The sample is not a modern alloy established by GOST.

It was used to make dishes, family jewelry, and other ritual items in the USSR, Spain, Portugal, Finland and other countries.

Composition and characteristics

916 silver was one of the purest alloys in the USSR, as it contained more than 91% pure noble metal. Due to the extreme plasticity of the metal, it cannot be used without impurities. To enhance strength, 8.4% copper is added to the composition. Sometimes the alloy is supplemented with nickel.

Table: correspondence between metric and carat systems

In order to quickly convert the numerical value of a sample from one measurement system to another, it will be convenient to use the table:

Gold ring 22K

What does the mark on products look like?

Silver with hallmark 916
The first measurement system that Russia used at that time was the spool system. But it was replaced by metric with the advent of the new government of the USSR.

At first, precious items were branded with a hallmark consisting of numbers, and there was always an imprint of the worker’s head next to it.

Another variant of the mark on such products is a star with a hammer and sickle, which were then Soviet symbols. Next to the sample, a letter symbol was placed indicating the district in which the silver item was made.

How to distinguish from a fake at home

Determining whether or not the silver is in front of you is quite difficult, but there are a number of methods that will help you.

The first method is a magnet. Since silver is not magnetic, it should not react to a magnet. However, this method may fail if a metal exhibiting magnetic properties was used as the alloy.

Also, when purchasing, pay attention to the brand. For sample 916 it will be a star with the sample number. The mark itself looks like a barrel. Moreover, if the decoration contains two parts, then the mark must be on both.

Properties such as thermal conductivity will also help determine the authenticity of silver. If the product is immersed in hot water for a couple of seconds, it will immediately heat up. If this does not happen, you are not looking at silver.

Another popular method is chalk. If you run it over the product and the surface of the chalk begins to darken, then the product is genuine.

Sample cost relative to exchange price

The price of precious metals on the market changes quite often. Over the past ten years, 916 brand could be sold for 20-40 rubles per gram. On the stock exchange the price is set as per troy ounce. Recently, prices have been constantly changing, but the upward trend in cost continues, as can be seen from the graph:

916
silver – price per gram of silver:

Antique appraisal of old silver

When assessing, professionals take into account many factors, such as year of manufacture, weight, type of product, and preservation of appearance. So for an antique silver ring with the hallmark 916 weighing about 7 grams. the owner can earn at least 2 thousand rubles. Most often, antique items are not accepted by pawn shops or the sample is valued too cheaply.

Converting carats to sample and back

To independently convert the value of one system to another, you need to use the formula.

Further, the metric system will be designated as “M”, the carat system as “K”.

Formula of the karate system:

24\1000 = K

Conversion from metric system:

K = 24*M\1000

Conversion from the carat system:

M = 1000*K\24

How to properly store and wear silver

Products made from any precious metal require special care and proper storage. Only proper care will help maintain the attractive appearance of your silverware. The metal must be periodically wiped with a flannel or suede cloth.

It is important to avoid using abrasive substances for cleaning, which can not only destroy the material, but also leave scratches on the surface.

Vintage 916 brand jewelry should be worn with extreme caution. It is best to limit the contact of rare items with water, moisture and sweat. Dark fabric bags that can be hermetically sealed or special boxes are most suitable for storage. It is important to keep only items of the same grade together.

International practice of using 22 carat gold

This metal has found application in the following areas:

Luxury jewelry in the Middle East, India and China

The alloy is widely used for the manufacture of prestigious jewelry in Israel, the UAE, Lebanon, and Qatar. In the gold markets of Dubai, there is especially a lot of jewelry made from this precious metal; they are usually weighty and thick.

In Asian countries, 22-karat gold products are purchased as investments. It is common for residents of Japan and China to invest money in jewelry.

Also, such products can be bought in India, but this is where the risk of encountering a counterfeit is highest. Authentic jewelry is expensive and is usually purchased as a wedding gift.

Collectible coins

Many countries use 916 marking precious metal for minting investment money.

South African Kruger

The Krugerrand is a coin of the Republic of South Africa. It has the status of legal tender and is named after the President of the Transvaal, Paul Kruger.

Gold Krugerrand coins

The coin is characterized by a red-yellow tint. The profile of the president is stamped on one side, and an antelope on the other.

American "Eagle"

“Eagle” is an American bullion coin. Issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 dollars.

The obverse of the coin features a woman holding a torch and an olive branch - symbols of freedom and peace. The coin has a border of 50 stars, representing the number of states in the country.

“Eagle” is characterized by a yellow tint. The heaviest coin is the $50 coin, weighing about 34 grams.

American Eagle Coins

Coins of Tsarist Russia

916 alloy was used for coinage before the Revolution.

During Tsarist Russia, it was used to produce half rubles and one ruble in 1756-1776. It was last used to mint 20 and 25 gold rubles in 1755 and 1876.

Now such coins are of historical value. In Russia, commemorative coins are issued from 999 alloy.

TOP 5 ways to clean antique silver

Proper use of silver cleaners will preserve its appearance for a long time. Precious antique items are stored for decades and inevitably become covered with plaque and rust, which only spoil the impression. To restore antique items to their former luxurious appearance, you can use special modern products or turn to a specialist for help. But you can also use methods designed for home cleaning. The best methods are:

1. Dentifrice. Suitable for cleaning small jewelry without stones. You need to stock up on tooth powder, a soft brush and a small amount of water. Place the powder in a small container, add a few drops of warm water to it, mix well to form a paste. Use a brush to collect the resulting paste and rub the product well. After thoroughly working the surface, leave for 5-10 minutes and then simply rinse under running water. Once cleaning is complete, it is important to rub the silver with a cotton cloth.
2. Lemon acid. You need to pour water (1 l) into a container, add citric acid (1 tbsp). This is where the precious metal goes. Depending on the contamination, you need to leave the items in the solution for 5 to 20 minutes. If necessary, you can scrub the surface with a soft bristle brush. After cleaning, place the products in a soda solution for a few minutes, this will help interrupt the reaction. The silver is then washed, dried and rubbed until shiny.
3. Ammonia. Used for cleaning small items with varying degrees of darkening. You will need a tall container (bottle) with a wide neck. It is enough to add a few tablespoons of ammonia per liter of liquid. Close the bottle and shake to mix the solution well. Now antique jewelry is placed there for 15 minutes. After this time, you need to drain the solution and rinse the items several times.
4. Soda plus foil. For half a liter of water you need to take 2 tbsp. soda, boil. Place several small pieces of foil and silver into the container and leave for 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, the precious metal is washed and wiped dry.
5. Salt solution. It is not able to clean heavy soiling, but it will easily remove light deposits and restore the original shine to jewelry. You need to boil half a liter of liquid, add 1 tbsp. l. salt and soda. Immerse the silver in the solution for 15-20 minutes, then rinse under running water.

Recommendations for care, cleaning and storage

Caring for any silver product must be thorough. There are modern sprays and aerosols with a special composition. They can also clean it in a workshop. At home, dark plaque can be easily removed in this way:

• wash in warm soapy water;
• clean with a soft cloth with a mixture of ammonia and chalk;
• rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Once upon a time it was suggested to rub silver with tooth powder. There are two more ways to refresh your silver items:

• rinse in warm water with baking soda (50 g per 1 liter of water);
• rinse in warm soapy water with ammonia (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water).

But there is nothing better than the old method of gently rubbing silver surfaces with a piece of wool or suede. You will have to spend a lot of time, but the effect is wonderful.

Also watch a video on how you can test silver at home:

Reviews

At home there is a plate that resembles a golden-colored candy bowl with an unusual stamp 916. I didn’t think it was precious until I found the stamp. I don’t know how valuable it is, but I’ve decided not to get rid of it yet. First, you need to thoroughly clean the plate from many years of plaque.

Svetlana K., Moscow

Rita L. g, Samara

I love vintage things. I often find interesting items on Avito, in antique shops. The latest acquisition was 916 silver coffee spoons made in the USSR. The seller was in Moscow, as for me the price was relatively low for such products. But I haven’t fully learned how to correctly navigate the cost yet.

My grandmother gave me a box with a beautiful silver table set. On the surface I found the stamp 916 and a head print, but I still didn’t understand what year it was released. I found information online that the impurities in this alloy are only 8.4%, which is quite unusual. Inside there was a booklet with tips on care and cleaning from the manufacturer. Some recommendations are much better than current methods.

Lydia I. g, Ivanovo