bracelet mark VA 925 with scales(?) is it silver?

[julie rodgers]

I have a silver(?) bracelet with a hallmark that is too tiny to photograph. It appears to be letters VA followed by 925 with what look like scales either side. There is no lion passant so is it silver or silver plate. Would love to know as this was my gran's.
thanks, Julie

[dognose]

Hi Julie, It will be silver, the 925 scales mark is what is called a common control mark, I believe it came into force in 1976 to enable some europeon countries to export their wares without the need for assay at the importing country. I guess the VA mark will be the makers mark, but I am sorry I cannot help with that one, hope this helps , regards Trev.

[julie rodgers]

Hi Julie, It will be silver, the 925 scales mark is what is called a common control mark, I believe it came into force in 1976 to enable some europeon countries to export their wares without the need for assay at the importing country. I guess the VA mark will be the makers mark, but I am sorry I cannot help with that one, hope this helps , regards Trev.

Thank you for your help. I'll do some searching and try to find out the maker.
Regards
Julie

[Matulda]

You can read more about the CCM and the participating countries here: http://www.hallmarkingconvention.org/pd ... ochure.pdf

The CCM was first used in 1975, but more countries have joined later. I'm sure you can rule a few out if you know when your grandmother got the bracelet. Some countries could also be ruled out because of national hallmarking rules, depending on when it was made.

I would also like to add that 925 means that it is sterling silver, 925/1000 silver content.