There’s gold in them hills! - Gold prospecting in the UK

Although the idea of gold prospecting seems to belong to a bygone age of American history, you might be surprised to know that plenty of people find gold in Britain.

The best places to find gold in the UK are in the rivers of Wales and Scotland but many people have also been successful in the rivers of Cornwall and Devon.

One experienced UK prospector has reported finding gold in 58 rivers throughout the Britain.

Scotland is particularly rich in gold and it can be found in many areas, particularly in the Lowther Hills around Wanlockhead and Leadhills where gold panning has been popular for centuries.

In North Wales, gold panning has become restricted. Gold panners in North Wales have been told they could face a £20,000 fine or a jail sentence if they look for the precious metal in the region's rivers, after damage to the rivers Mawddach and Wen near Dolgellau, Gwynedd.

If you are planning to prospect for gold in North Wales you need to contact the British Gold panning association and find out about obtaining a licence.

Devon is a popular location for gold prospecting. You should approach the landowner for permission before you start.














Many people find that a quick training course in gold panning is a good place to begin and there are short residential courses on offer in Scotland.

Alternatively, why not visit Dolaucothi in Dyfed Wales?  This is the site of the earliest gold mine in Britain and now, no longer used commercially it is a visitor’s centre run by the National Trust.

You can rent the pans and equipment and enjoy a taster session for a day.
Although you probably will not get rich gold prospecting in the UK, it is a fun and enjoyable hobby in the great outdoors.

You never know what you will find and people have been lucky.

The British streams and rivers still contain gold and every year winter storms bring more to the surface. It is still there for the taking, and the gold pan is the best way to find it!



gold and silver hallmarks main site

Calendar List of yearly wedding aniversary gifts

A wedding anniversary is a good excuse to enjoy a special day with your loved one and recapture some of the old romance with a gift. However most of us do not really bother with it until there are few years under the collective belt.

 The 25th anniversary is the first significant anniversary that most people celebrate but all the anniversaries can be special if you want them to be.

Lists of wedding gifts vary from country to country but here are just a few of the most well known.

1st Anniversary is an important romantic date. In the US this is traditionally marked with paper gifts or clocks and in the UK we celebrate with cotton. You don’t get much for a year. You have to earn the more expensive stuff.

2nd year, Traditionally cotton in the US or chinaware. The UK celebrate this one with paper.

3rd year, Leather – maybe the need to spice things up a little. Or you can give crystal or glass

4th year,  Linen, silk, fruit and flowers or appliances if you are in the US.

5th year Traditionally wood or you can try the modern US recommendation of silverware

6th year Iron in the US or sugar in the UK – this anniversary is not great for gifts.

7th year Wool, copper and bizarrely desk sets.

8th year, Bronze, salt linen and lace.

9th year, Pottery copper or leather goods.



10th year, Tin or if you wish to follow the Americans, a Diamond!

15th year, Crystal is the traditional gift in both the UK and US with an added option of watches in the US

20th year, China or you could go for platinum because you’re worth it!

25th year, A major anniversary that everyone can agree on both sides of the pond. The Silver wedding anniversary should be celebrated with silver gifts.

30th year, The Pearl Wedding anniversary.

35th year, Coral or Jade.

40th year, Across the board it’s the Ruby Wedding. After all this time you deserve something extra specially nice for your efforts.














45th year, Sapphire.

50th year, Golden Wedding anniversary. Something to be celebrated after 50 happy years.

55th year, Emeralds.

60th year, Diamonds are forever. It probably seems like it.

65th year, Blue Sapphire

70th year, Platinum.

Where to find Welsh Gold?

Welsh Gold – there’s lovely!

The British Royal Family have been using Welsh Gold for their wedding rings since 1923. The custom began with the marriage of Elizabeth Bowes Lyn, the Queen Mother, to the Duke of York later King George VI.

More recently, Kate Middleton’s wedding ring was also made from Welsh gold.

However, Welsh Gold goes way further back in time than that. The Celtic chieftains and early Welsh Princes wore Welsh gold as a mark of rank, over 2000 years ago and it was prized by the Romans invaders who began mining it in 75AD.

Welsh gold was relatively easy to extract by hand because it forms like coal, in pure seams making it easy to see and process without advanced machinery.

Welsh gold is found in both North and South Wales and there are three gold mines in Wales today.



In North Wales, the gold producing region forms a narrow band that starts in Barmouth and reaches to Snowdonia.  Here you can find Gwynfynydd Gold Mines in Dolgellau and Clogau Gold Mine in Bontddu, near Barmouth.

There is only one gold mine in South Wales. This is Dolaucothi, near Pumpsaint Dyfed. This mine was operated by the Romans until 300AD and was subsequently abandoned until the 1800s and finally closed in 1938.

Today none of the welsh gold mines operate commercially. The Gwynfynydd mine stopped full production in 1998 and although it is believed that there is a high level of gold still to be found under the hills of Snowdonia, environmental issues prevent this happening.

The Clogau Mine used to be a high producing gold mine until it fell into neglect. It was bought by a private company called Midas Exploration in 2010 who aim to make it fully operational in the future but so far this has not happened.

The National Trust purchased Dolaucothi in 1941 and today you can visit the workings of the mine and buy gold pieces from the shop. Many visitors also enjoy trying their hand at gold panning

How to Spot Fake Roman Coins at online Auctions

As many as 30 - 40 % of ancient coins sold on ebay, at the moment, are modern fakes.
There are a lot of  fake or reproduction coins on ebay at any given time.
The problem is how to spot them. The decent people who are selling them will let you know if they are fakes or copies, 

Read The description carefully
If the item description says things like "I think it's Silver", or "Silver/nickle" then be aware that silver roman coins were only made from silver.
If the description reads something like "Selling off my grandfathers collection he purchased some years ago". Then check the items carefully and ask questions as this can sometimes be a dubious description

As regards reproduction coins the better sellers will mark this in the listing but if you read something like
"There's writing round the edge, I think it's Roman" then ask questions.

Check the pictures
The letters WRL stamped  somewhere on the coin tells you it's a genuine reproduction.
"WRL" is Westair Reproductions Ltd. They are based in Birmingham, UK. People often buy these known replicas's as "space fillers" filling in the gaps of Emperor's etc in their collection until they can buy the genuine coin. They are also sold in museums as souvenirs and are often bought for schools to help with Roman studies.

Check for the word "copy" stamped somewhere on the coin, normally on the reverse. This seems obvious but can be overlooked in an auction as the stamping can be very small. Some times you will see a tiny letter "r" stamped on the reverse of the coin. The letter R stands for reproduction., this obviously tells you the coin is a modern reproduction, as does a tiny letter "R" stamped on the coin, again, usually the reverse. Some modern replica coins also have a letter 'S' stamped on them, again it is normally to the reverse of the coin, and the letter 'S' is snake like in appearence.

If you see the words REMO NEDA stamped on the outside of the coin then this also tells you that the coin is a modern copy. Some fake coins have no markings on them at all to tellyou they are fake so unfortunately the only way to gain experience in this is to handle as many coins as possible to guauge the true age of the coin you are interested in.

Check the sellers ID
Sometimes coins are made from moulds taken from a genuine coin. These will all have the same wear and scratch and wear marks on them making them look too similar. beware of private user IDs and coin sellers selling amazing low offer coins for £9.99 over and over again. If you see this and want to check the seller out then you will need to have a long look at the sellers feedback.

Sometimes coins are made from moulds taken from a genuine coin. These will all have the same wear and scratch and wear marks on them making them look too similar. beware of private user IDs and coin sellers selling amazing low offer coins for £9.99 over and over again. If you see this and want to check the seller out then you will need to have a long look at the sellers feedback.

BBC bargain hunt tips - What is the Nanking Cargo?

The mysteriously named “Nanking Cargo” is often mentioned on “Bargain hunt” the BBC TV antiques show. The Nanking cargo name on a porcelain object can make a profit winning item for the Bargain Hunt teams (or at least wipe it should wipe its face!)

So, what is the “Nanking Cargo?”

Well fine bone China had to be imported from the Far East in the 16th century and this trip although long and often dangerous was well worth it for those brave enough to undertake the voyage

The Dutch East Indiaman, Geldermalsen was one of those ships barely 5 years old when she ran aground and sank on January 3, 1752 at Admiral Stellingwerf Reef.

The reef which hides just below the surface 12 miles from the island of Bintan in the South China Sea claimed the ship and crew and deposited the cargo at the bottom of the sea where it was thought it would forever remain.

However in 1986 Michael Hatcher discovered the sunken ship and her treasure.  The Geldermalsen held over 150,000 pieces of porcelain and 147 bars of gold (125 were recovered). 

Never before had such a complete cargo of porcelain been recovered from a VOC (Dutch East India Company) wreck.  The porcelain and gold cargo was sold at Christie's Auction House in Amsterdam as under the name "Nanking Cargo".

BBC bargain hunt tips – How to spot Real Silver?

Silver appears on every episodes of the TV show “Bargain hunt” on BBC TV. If it’s real silver then it can be valued by its weight alone. A piece of good silver can realise a good price at auction and can make a profit and even a winning item for the Bargain Hunt teams (or at least wipe its face!)

But . . .


How do you spot real silver?

Many things for sale that purport to be silver are not real silver. Sometimes these items are sold as silver by a lack of knowledge on the part of the seller and sometimes other motives are unfortunately used.

A knowledge of hallmarks is important here and I would suggest that you take a look at this hallmarks guide featured at the bottom of this page.

Also you should learn the terms below that refer to silver styled items that are often mistakenly advertised as silver.

Sterling Silver Plate
Sterling Silverplate – This doesn’t exist even though you will see it advertised because sterling is an alloy it is unsuitable to use as a silver source for plating.

E.P.N.S
This stands for Electro Plated Nickel-Silver. Common variations on this are E.P., E.P.C. (Electro Plate on Copper), E.P.W.M. (Electro Plate on White Metal), E.P.B. or E.P.B.M. (Electro Plate on Britannia Metal).

(See More about this)

Any item marked with E.P. is silverplate and as such has no precious metal value.

Nickel Silver
Nickel-Silver is a common base metal alloy consisting of nickel, copper and zinc. There is no silver in it whatsoever. The name was coined because the metal is silvery in colour and polishes to a shine. Other names used for the same metal are: Alpacca or Alpacca Silver; Brazil Silver; German Silver; Peru Silver; New York Silver; New Silver; Nevada Silver; Norwegian Silver; Silverite; Venetian Silver; Potosi Silver; and Sonora Silver to name just a few.

(Nickel-silver is strong and durable but it doesn't have any metal value).

White Metal
White Metal - This is a silvery coloured alloy usually containing a mixture of antimony, tin, lead, zinc, and cadmium. In the U.K. the British fine arts trade uses the term 'white metal' to describe all foreign items which do not have official British Assay Office marks struck on them.

Brittania Metal
Britannia Metal is a non-silver base metal similar to pewter which is popular because it is durable and polishes to a silver-like lustre. This is an alloy of 93% tin, 5% antimony and 2% copper. Not to be confused with 958 Britannia from Great Britain.




BUY A SILVER TESTING KIT

BBC bargain hunt tips - What is Royal Crown derby?

Derby ceramics are often a profit maker on episodes of the TV show “Bargain hunt” on BBC TV. The Crown derby pieces are always popular in the show and are still sought after by collectors.

The Royal crown Derby name on a piece of porcelain can make a winning item for the Bargain Hunt teams (or at least wipe its face!)

One of the important things to be aware of with these ceramics is the continued history of the company from its small beginnings to its failures and successes.

In 1745 André Planché, a Huguenot immigrant from Saxony, settled in Derby, where he met and formed a business partnership with William Duesbury, a porcelain painter formerly at the Chelsea porcelain factory, and the banker John Heath.

This was the foundation of the Derby Company, although Planché disappeared from the scene almost at once, and the business was developed by Duesbury and Heath.

A talented entrepreneur, Duesbury developed a new paste which contained glass frit, soap rock and calcined bone. This enabled the factory to begin producing high-quality tableware. He quickly established Derby as a leading manufacturer of dinner services and figurines by employing the best talents available for modelling and painting.

In 1770, Duesbury added to the high reputation of Derby by his acquisition of the famous Chelsea porcelain factory in London. He continued the factory and products of this period are known as "Chelsea-Derby."

In 1784 he demolished the buildings and transferred the assets, including the stock, patterns and moulds, and many of the workmen, to Derby.

In 1773, Duesbury’s hard work was rewarded by King George III, who after visiting the Derby works granted him permission to incorporate the royal crown into the Derby back stamp, after which the company was known as Crown Derby.

In 1786, William Duesbury died, leaving the company to his son, William Duesbury II, also a talented director, who besides keeping the reputation of the company at its height developed a number of new glazes and body types.

However William Duesbury II died in 1797 at the age of 34 and the company was taken over by his business partner, an Irishman named Michael Kean, who later married Duesbury's widow.

Michael Kean was not such a good director and many of the highly skilled workforce, and many eminent artists left. Although others produced good work under his management, including Moses Webster, a flower painter who replaced Billingsley, Richard Dodson (who specialised in birds), George Robertson (land - and seascapes) and Cuthbert Lawton (hunting scenes).

The best-known artist of this time was William Pegg, a Quaker, famed for his striking and idiosyncratic flower painting. He started in 1797 but his religious beliefs led him to the conclusion that painting was sinful and he left in 1800. He returned in 1813, but left again in 1820.

Despite much good work, the Kean period was disruptive and the company suffered financially.

William Duesbury III, took over the factory when he came of age in 1791, and Kean having sold his interest to his father-in-law, William Duesbury's grandfather, named Sheffield, the concern continued under the name of Duesbury & Sheffield.

In 1815, the factory was leased to the firm's salesman and clerk, Robert Bloor, and the Duesburys left all control to him. Bloor borrowed heavily to be able to make the payments demanded but proved himself to be a highly able businessman in his ways of recouping losses and putting the business back on a sound financial footing.

Under Bloor the company produced works that were richly coloured and elegantly styled, including brightly coloured Japanese Imari patterns, generally featuring intricate geometric patterns layered with various floral designs. These designs proved extremely and lastingly popular, and Derby continued to thrive.

In 1845, however, Bloor died, and after three years under Thomas Clarke, the Cockpit Works were sold and the factory closed in 1848.

A group of former employees set up a factory in King Street in Derby, and continued to use the moulds, patterns and trademarks of the former business, although not the name, so keeping alive the Derby traditions of fine craftsmanship. No mechanical processes were used, and no two pieces produced were exactly the same.

In 1877, an impressive new factory was built by new owners of the Crown Derby name in Osmaston Road, Derby, thus beginning the modern period of Derby porcelain. Crown Derby’s patterns became immensely popular during the late Victorian era, as their romantic and lavish designs exactly met the popular taste of the period.

In 1890, Queen Victoria appointed Crown Derby to be “Manufacturers of porcelain to Her Majesty” and by Royal Warrant granted them the title "The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company".

In 1935 Royal Crown Derby acquired the King Street factory, thus reuniting the two strands of the business.

In 1964, the company was acquired by S. Pearson and Son and became part of the Allied English Potteries Group, later to be joined by Royal Doulton.

BBC bargain hunt tips - What is Moorcroft Pottery?

Moorcroft pottery is often a profit maker on episodes of the TV show “Bargain hunt” on BBC TV.

The Moorcroft pottery is one of the last remaining independent art potteries in the world today and still operates out of the original brick factory in Stoke-on-Trent.

It is currently fashionable and sought after in the antiques trade and with the Moorcroft name on a piece of pottery can make a winning item for the Bargain Hunt teams (or at least wipe its face!)

Originally founded in 1897 within a larger ceramic company, James Macintyre & Co. Moorcroft pottery soon made its mark on the world. Designs came from 24 year old William Moorcroft who personalised each piece of pottery produced with his own signature or initials.

In 1912 the inevitable split occurred. William took his team to a new factory in Sandbach Road where Moorcroft pottery is still made today. The money for this venture came from Liberty, the famous London store and Liberty continued to control Moorcroft until 1962.

In 1904, Moorcroft won a gold medal at the St Louis International Exhibition and followed up the achievement with further medals and commendations, culminating in the appointment of the Moorcroft Company as Potter to HM The Queen in 1928.

In 1962, the Moorcroft family bought out Liberty, but Moorcroft seldom prospered. Finally, in 1984, the family sold the bulk of their shares on the open market. After several material shareholder changes in the mid-1980’s and early 1990’s, Moorcroft is now controlled by the Edwards family, and has been since 1993.

In 1993, Rachel Bishop joined Moorcroft as only its fourth designer in almost a hundred years. Just 24 years old, she was soon to see sales of her work flourish. Following that success came the Moorcroft centenary in 1997, and in the same year the Moorcroft Design Studio was formed, originally comprising no less than eight designers with Rachel at their head.

Recently the world profile of Moorcroft has grown internationally, both in quality and in perceived value. Auctioneers Christies hold a dedicated Moorcroft sale each year. In 2001, Sotheby’s New York holds a major sale comprising many pieces of Moorcroft pottery. The Victoria & Albert museum has joined many other national museums with significant pieces of Moorcroft pottery in their permanent collections.

Today, Moorcroft leads the world of art pottery with its own distinctive design style. With added value coming from the skills and craftsmanship of a dedicated workforce, Moorcroft is selling more of its magnificent ware all over the world today, than it did even in its previous heyday in the mid-1920’s.

BBC Bargain Hunt tips - What is Murano Glass?

Murano glass is often a profit maker on episodes of the TV show “Bargain hunt” on BBC TV. Murano glass is the beautifully clear or highly coloured glass products that can fetch a pretty penny (or at least wipe its face!)

Widely desired by glass collectors all around the world, items made from this elegant glass are beautiful and useful. But with so many reproductions and modern re issues, how can you be sure that the glass object you are fondling is the real thing.

Just what is Murano Glass?

Murano glass is a product of Italy that is found on the Isle of Murano, just north of Venice, Italy. It is specifically treated to create highly prized glass objects. Colourful and unique, Italian Murano glass is manufactured without the use of nickel or lead. Murano Glassmakers have been using their techniques to produce art and jewellery from glass from the beginning of the 9th Century. The same methods are still followed by Murano glassmakers today.

Murano glass comes only from Italy; it is high in clarity, with vibrant colours that appear to have an inner glow. Glass products range from crystal clear, to vibrant reds, blues, and yellows. All Murano glass will be high in clarity, and of good quality. Imitations are easily identified by their poor quality, heavy weight, and little or no clarity.

Items listed as Murano Style have been made in other countries.

Objects made from authentic Murano glass are constructed by hand, which makes them rather expensive. Each piece is a rare design, and no two objects are the same. Using glass that has turned from liquid to solid, glassmakers can shape it into artistic designs before it is completely hard. When the object has been shaped, it is given a unique number of authenticity. This number is usually located on the bottom of the object and can be seen with a magnifying glass. Modern day glassmakers use holographic stickers that contain the authentic number. Genuine Murano glass objects are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Murano glass is fairly low maintenance and only requires an occasional gentle dusting. Use a damp lint free cloth to remove marks or stains, and glasses or stemware should be washed by hand with mild liquid soap and warm water. Cracks or chips can be ground, surfaced, and repaired by a glass specialist with extensive experience in repairing damaged glass.

How to make a silver testing kit using Schwerter's solution

When Potassium dichromate is dissolved in an approximately 35% nitric acid the solution created is called Schwerter's solution. Schwerter's solution is used to test for the presence of various metals, notably for determination of silver purity.

Cautions:
Avoid breathing the fumes and avoid skin contact. Nitric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, and Aqua Regia are extremely poisonous and corrosive !

Since the testing procedure requires the use of dangerous acids, special care should be taken not to spill or allow acid to touch the skin.

If acid comes in contact with the skin, wash the affected area with a mild soap and water as quickly as possible.

NEVER POUR WATER INTO ACID.  YOU MUST POUR ACID INTO WATER!!

You will need:
Nitric Acid (C.P.),
distilled water to mix the test solutions.
Potassium dichromate salts for making Schwerter's testing fluid.

Two acid bottles with ground glass stoppers and applicators
A Test stone
A graduated cylinder is recommended to measure the required proportions.
These items may be obtained from laboratory or chemical supply houses or local drug companies.

Mix 10 grams potassium dichromate salts with the ¾ oz. nitric acid plus ¼ oz. distilled water.
NEVER POUR WATER INTO ACID.  YOU MUST POUR ACID INTO WATER!!

Testing Silver
Scratch the article with a file and apply a drop of Nitric Acid. If it turns green, it is plated. If a cloudy cream, it is sterling or better. (Some silver contains less than 90% fine silver).

Testing Base Metals with Schwerter Salts
File a notch in the test piece and apply a drop of Schwerter's Solution in the notch.
Observe the colour reaction.

Schwerter's solution indications
Brass - Dark Brown
Copper - Brown
Nickel - Blue
Palladium - None
Gold - None
- Silver Pure - Bright Red
- Silver .925 - Dark Red
- Silver .800 - Brown
- Silver .500 - Green
Lead - Yellow
Tin - Yellow

Buy a silver testing kit for £12.95

5 Myths about Gold

The leprechaun is an Irish folklore fairy in Irish folklore. The leprechauns spent their time making shoes and making mischief.

Leprechauns store away all their coins in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

If a leprechaun is captured by a human, the Leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release.

Below are 5 other myths in circulation about gold

Gold is the Best Metal to Invest in.
This myth depends on the price. Over time silver and platinum have all taken similar paths of value.
Over time, silver has beaten gold by 25%, platinum by 5%. At different points one metal has risen much higher, while another has been left behind. You aren't always stuck with just gold.
Verdict: Myth

Gold is Safe Haven
In twenty years (1980 to 2000) the purchasing power of Gold fell by 80%. In 2008 the value fell by 33%
These facts dont represent a safe harbour from the storm. Gold is only an asset and is no safer than any other.
Verdict: Myth

Gold has Kept It's Purchasing Power
If gold had "kept its purchasing power over 3,000 years," that would merely mean it produced a real, inflation-adjusted return of 0%. Inflation-protected government bonds will give you inflation plus 2%.
Verdict: Myth

Gold is Overvalued
There is simply no evidence for this.
Verdict: Myth

Gold is the Only real money
The only thing that makes anything "money" is that other people—meaning "society"—accept it as such.
If Anarchy should come, then tinned food becomes a form of money. Moral: Always have plenty of tinned food stored in your cupboards.
Verdict: Myth

How to make a simple silver testing kit

Here are two simple methods to quickly test if the metal you are looking at has any silver in it.


Both of these methods will help you determine if the metal you are testing has any silver in it. It won't tell you the amount or purity of the silver content contained.


Method 1:
Use American Mustard:
American Mustard is the one used on hot dogs. It is bright yellow, contains mustard tumeric and vinegar and is mild to the taste.
This type of mustard has a high sulpher content and when applied to silver will cause the metal to tarnish.

1. Use a stone or cloth to expose a little of the silver.
2. Apply a little warmed American mustard to the cleaned silver for a few moments.
3. Wipe off the mustard and if you see a black tarnish mark then you have some silver.
4. The silver can then be cleaned off with a small amount of white vinegar.

Method 2:
Using Two Matches to test for Silver.
The flame from a freshly struck match releases its sulpher content which causes silver to tarnish.
The most sulpher is relased as the match catches fire.

1.Press a match head against the silver.
2.Light a second match and set the first match on fire.
3.Wash burnt fingers under cold tap quickly!
4 If tarnish exists on the object then you have some silver.

Both of these examples will work to show silver but they will only tell you that the tested metal has silver in it.
In this way it will not tell you about the purity of the silver.
To test the purtiy of silver you need differnt chemicals.

See How to test the purity of Silver.

Gold at highest price ever after Stock markets fall on fears over Europe

Stock markets fell on Monday as a healthcheck on banks failed to stem worries about Europe's debt crisis.

Financial shares were heavy fallers, with Royal Bank of Scotland down 3.8% and BNP Paribas 3.1% lower.

In early trading the FTSE 100 index fell 0.9%, France's Cac 40 shed 1.4%, and Germany's Dax was 1.3% down.

On Friday, eight European banks failed a stress test on their finances, while another 16 were said to be near the danger zone.

The European Banking Authority published the results of the stress tests after European stock markets had closed on Friday.

Meanwhile, the price of gold topped $1,600 an ounce for the first time as investors put money into the haven commodity. The spot gold price hit $1,600.40, before pulling back slightly to $1,598.76.

Concerns among investors have also been fuelled by the Obama administration's failure to agree a debt-ceiling deal.

The US risks defaulting on its debts unless Congress can agree new rules that will allow Washington to borrow more money.

On Thursday eurozone leaders are due to attend a summit to put together a second bail-out package for debt-laden Greece.

“Investor concern will remain over the credibility of the tests given that the tests did not include an assessment of the impact of sovereign defaults”

Lee Hardman Bank of Tokyo analyst

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she wants clear commitments from private investors that they would contribute to the bail-out.

On Sunday she described the summit as "urgently necessary" and said she wanted "a result", 'Pull together'

The head of the European Central Bank (ECB) Jean-Claude Trichet called on governments to speak with one voice, saying they can overcome the debt crisis if they stick together.

He said: "It is a question of will and determination. The countries of Europe have always demonstrated that they pull together when the challenges are very high."

But he repeated that the ECB will not accept Greek bonds as collateral for loans if the country defaults on its debts.

However, some economists believe an orderly default is the only way Athens can resolve its debt crisis.

The results of the stress tests failed to ease markets' worries because they did not take into account the impact of any country defaulting.

"On the face of it, the tests highlight that the European banking sector is in better health than expected, although crucially investor concern will remain over the credibility of the tests given that the tests did not include an assessment of the impact of sovereign defaults,"

said Lee Hardman, an analyst at the Bank of Tokyo.

In a further sign of scepticism in the financial markets, yields on Italian and Spanish bonds rose.

The rate on ten-year Italian bonds spiked up 0.19 percentage points to 5.88%, while the Spanish equivalent rose 0.18 percentage points to 6.26%.

The euro also fell as dealers bought up Swiss francs and yen. In trading in Asia the euro fell at one point to a record low against the Swiss franc of 1.1365.

Continue reading the main story

How to turn Lead into Gold - Alchemy 101

See more about gold and silver

Before Science there was alchemy. Alchemy was a mix of crafts between science and mysticism and is probably the foundations of Chemistry.

The highest aim of alchemy was to turn base metal into gold by using transmutation. The meaning of transmute is to change from one form or substance into another; to transform or convert.

Lead was the most common base metal used but the goal of transmutation was not achieved until 1972.

To convert lead into gold requires a physical process rather than a chemical one. Lead has an atomic number 82 and gold has the atomic number 79. The atomic numbers are defined as elements by the number of protons they possess.

Changing the element requires changing the atomic (proton) number. In a circular particle accelerator, magnetic fields accelerate particles moving in circular paths. The accelerated particle impacts a target material, potentially knocking free protons or neutrons and making a new element or isotope. Nuclear reactors also may used for creating elements, although the conditions are less controlled.

Nature creates new elements by adding protons and neutrons to hydrogen atoms. This process occurs naturally within the nuclear reactions of stars. The process is called nucleosynthesis and creates increasingly heavier elements.

Elements heavier than iron are formed in the stellar explosion of a supernova. In a supernova gold can only be made into lead. Because lead is stable, forcing it to release three protons requires a vast input of energy, such that the cost of transmuting it greatly surpasses the value of the resulting gold.

However it is practical to get gold from lead ore.

The minerals galena, cerussit and anglesite often contain zinc, gold, silver, and other metals. Once the lead ore has been pulverized, chemical techniques are sufficient to separate the gold from the lead.

BBC Bargain Hunt - Charles Hanson Auction Profile

Gold and silver questions? See the site

Charles Hanson…We say sale!

Charles Hanson is a popular figure on BBC TV’s Bargain Hunt both as an antiques expert and as an auctioneer. With his a quirky dress sense – often appearing in suits that seem slightly too small for him and his youthful looking appearance. This belies the fact that he is well respected in the antiques world and is the owner of his own auction house that he set up in 2005.

Auctioneer and expert valuer Kate Bliss also works there.

Presenter Tim Wonnacott often refers to Charles Hanson as “Carlos”, for no particular reason that anyone can see, but somehow the name suits him.

Although Charles is good fun as an expert and no slouch at finding great bargains for his team, his auctioneering style is very entertaining.

The first thing you may notice is his rather hoarse voice. He shouts encouragement at his audience and has a range of great phrases. Look and listen out for “We say sale” and lots of, "I’m in your out”…type expressions all delivered amidst copious sips of water. His obvious enthusiasm is infectious and he often perseveres to get good prices.

The mysterious Miss Hornblower is becoming a feature of the Charles Hanson auction house when the Bargain Hunt Team is in town. Perhaps she always goes or perhaps she is lured by the cameras. Whoever she is, this smartly dressed audience member has been the saviour of many a bargain hunt team offering a dodgy item for sale!

How to identify Spanish Silver

The Spanish silversmiths have made beautiful jewellery, vases, dishes and trinket boxes over the course of many centuries. The historical, cultural and fiscal value of these crafted Silver objects makes them a particular find for the Silver collector.

Verifying the authenticity is the first step in discovering the potential of the piece you have. You will need a Guide to Spanish silversmith markings to start identifying Spanish Silver

1. Examine the marking for clear letters indicating the name of the silversmith. Rey Calvo of La Coruna in the late 1800s had a clear marking with capital, bold letters. His first name was on top of his last name, creating two lines. Juan Sanguino from Jerez de los Caballeros in the late 1700s wrote his marking as SANGINO, only with the first N facing backwards.

2. Look for numbers within the hallmark. Pedro Oliveros from 19th century Llerena had a marking with two lines. The upper line read PDY and the lower line read 017B. Also from Llerena, Alonso Perez Noble from the early 1600s wrote his marking as ASP3.

3. Determine the origin of the silver piece from distinctive characteristics. The Navarra region utilized the sea for inspiration when creating their markings. Many of the pieces from Navarra contain a starfish design or palm tree depiction. In Valencia, crowns were the common pictorial image placed within a hallmark.

4. Recognize the era by simple common attributes for that time period. During the 16th century, many silversmiths used shield-like designs to inscribe their initials or a meaningful number. They might have also created a towering design that resembled a structure of significance. Over the next 200 years, most silver craftsmen placed a loose circle around their last name, sometimes with a number. In the 20th century, silversmiths typically used bold, block lettering to write their names. Numbers and images were not as common.

Starting to collect Silver Coins

From Gold and Silver Hallmarks

There are a few different ways in which you can build a coin collection.

You can pick up a few pieces which are worthwhile to you that could be valued in the hundreds to those in the thousands.

While it is possible to buy coins which are valued in the few pounds catagory, it is possible also to purchase such coins as the 1804 silver dollar draped bust which was last sold at auction for over £6 million. The choice is yours but you will have to shop in the right places to get the coins that you want the most.

"Getting the coins that you want will depend less on the amount that you are willing to spend and more on the amount that you are willing to search for the coins that you want". 

The more you are willing to look for the coins that you want, the better your chances are that you will be able to find them at the prices that you are looking for. You can also get in good with the local coin shop. Another great way to get the pieces you are looking for is to get in touch with the other private collectors that you know.

Online Auction Sites
There are few online coin auction sites which will allow you to get the silver coins that you need in order to get the collection that you want. These sites are sites which are sponsored by such organizations as the British Numismatic Association (BNA) look for members on the site which are in good standing with the BNA as well as with the rest of the people who buy and sell on the site. This means you will have a good chance of getting the coins you want even though you did not get to see them in person.

Local Coin Shops
Shopping regularly at the local coin shops is a great way that you will be able to get the coins that you are looking for at a price you can afford. While you will most likely pay a little bit more for the silver coins you are looking for, you will be able to get the coins as soon as they come on the market. This is because store owners are in the business of making money. If they get a piece they know you will buy, they will call you to tell you about it.

Private Collectors
The most difficult source to buy from is a private collector. This is because they know what they have and they want to make some money when they sell the coin also. They will have a set price that they will not go beneath. This means you will likely pay more for the silver coins you want, but you will at least know where to find them.

Kindle ebook 'A Beginners Guide To Coin Collecting' everything You Need To Know' £0.70 See More

Belgian Art Deco Silver - The Wolfers Freres

From Gold and Silver Hallmarks
Two main centres of style influenced European Art Deco.

The French Art Deco (The Architect Le Corbusier and Jean Puifrocat’s plastic translation of numeric calculations and geometric rigor) and the Bauhaus in Germany.

One of the best-known Belgian silversmiths was Wolfers. (Wolfers Frères Workshop and retailers) 

The Wolfers family is a ‘dynasty’ of silversmiths'. In the 20th century, Philippe Wolfers was the chief silversmith and jeweller during the Belgian Art Nouveau period.

He was the designer for the Brussels Workshop, 'Wolfers’ Frères,' and also created his personal workshop in La Hulpe (South of Brussels) with a selected crew of artists and craftsmen. There he created his unique pieces of Art Nouveau silverware, sculpture, and jewellery.

Philippe Wolfers was present in 1925 at the ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes’ which gave the name to the ‘Art Deco’ Movement.

In the Belgian Pavilion, he presented what would be his last striking design,' The Gioconda,' created in collaboration with other designers of the Wolfers Frères workshop.

How to recognize ‘Wolfers’ marks?

For the  ‘Wolfers Frères Workshop’ the mark is usually a triangle with 3 stars and the silver standard. The Silver Standard before 1942. = 833/1000

When the object is a one off commission there should be another 'Wolfers makers' mark or designer’s mark such as the special entwined initials ‘FW’ for ‘Wolfers Frères’ Workshop’.
     
Special Items from Wolfers Frères Workshop productions were handmade. Later on they were also mechanically produced.

Philippe Wolfers died in 1929, Marcel Wolfers followed as the designer and director of the workshop. One of his specialties was lacquer work developed after the Chinese ‘Sung’ lacquer technique and his encounter with the French lacquer master Jean Dunand.

The Workshop also produced the creations of an interesting designer, ‘Dom Martin,’ a priest who was also a silversmith, from the abbey of Keizersberg.  He crafted fine quality religious items with visible hammering and also collaborated with Marcel Wolfers who lacquered some of his objects.

During the Art Deco period, clients mostly ordered and bought tea and coffee services, flatware, plates and hollowware, and sport trophies. We discovered that those Art Deco creations were not so successful on a commercial basis.

The public and clients before the second world War were rather classical and preferred to order items in the Neo-Classical revival style, so lots of items did not sell at all and we found them still on display in shops’ cupboards in the 1950’s ,60’s, and 70’s.  This was probably also a consequence of the economical crisis of the 1930’s.

Art Deco style silverware took a ‘second breath’ after the 1940’s and 50’s and was more in ‘vogue’ at that time. The objects of that period follow the same line as before the war.

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Understanding Art Nouveau Silver

From Gold and Silver Hallmarks

In the 1880s and 1890s, a new style spread across Europe and the United States - Art Nouveau. 

Unlike the austere Art Deco that eventually supplanted it, Art Nouveau emphasized flowing lines and organic, asymmetric forms. Many Art Nouveau designs featured stylized naturalism, with floral patterns, dragonflies, snails, and women with long, flowing hair wearing sheer gowns.
 
Many silversmiths produced pieces in the Art Nouveau style, but its impact was not as substantial on silver production as a whole as later styles were, since Art Nouveau’s aesthetics and methods did not lend themselves to mass production. Indeed, some of the most elaborate pieces of Art Nouveau silver took more than 90 hours to manufacture.

Silversmiths working in the Art Nouveau style generally utilized two main techniques in tandem: repoussé and chasing. With repoussé, a silversmith shapes the silver by hammering it from the back. In the chasing process, he or she uses essentially the same process but on the front side of the silver. Together, these techniques meld the silver into its final shape without removing any of the actual metal.

Two companies producing silverware in the Art Nouveau style were Gorham & Co. of Providence, Rhode Island, and Tiffany & Co. of New York. Both companies were highly influenced by Asian (especially Japanese) aesthetics.

One of Gorham’s most exquisite products was its martelé line of sterling silverware, which featured fluid, floral designs. Each piece of martelé was handmade, whether it was a vase, letter opener, candlestick, mug, or bowl.

Unlike British companies, American silversmiths were not held to the sterling hallmark standards of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, which even today mandates with the power of British law that sterling silver be 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper and other trace elements.

Thus, Tiffany & Co. could produce an array of Art Nouveau-style products, like ornate vases and teapots, marked as “sterling silver and other metals.” Despite the fact that these pieces did not technically meet the British standards for sterling silver, they often exhibited fine craftsmanship and have become valuable over the years. Gorham produced many pieces with a similar marking.

English Art Nouveau practitioners included Liberty & Co. and Omar Ramsden, whose output included bowls, belt buckles, candelabra, cigarette cases, jewellery, match holders, clocks, and centrepieces. Only the finest of these were hallmarked as sterling silver; those that were not often featured coloured enamelling for decorative effect.

Interestingly, the Art Nouveau period also saw the development and spread of the picture frame, since the 1880s witnessed the release of cameras intended for amateur photographers. Picture frames, however, generally had a low silver content.

Art Nouveau went out of style around the start of World War I, but patterns remained popular after the period itself ended, so maker’s marks and hallmarks give the collector the most reliable clues to a piece’s origin.

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Identifying French Silver

From Gold and Silver Hallmarks

French Silver ware is still hugely collectable. Examples for sale can be found almost anywhere in the world. This is a testament to the huge popularity of French Silver.

What is French Silver worth? Well, anywhere between a few pounds sterling to the thousands paid for a beautiful or rare piece of fine French Silver.

Hallmarks the markings in assayed silver were first used in France in the mid-13th century. There are hundreds of different French hallmarks, some of them obscure and rare. However, you can identify many French hallmarks by looking for a few distinguishing features.
To begin you will need a Jeweller’s loupe or a strong magnifying glass and a guide to French hallmarks.

1. Turn the silver item round with your hands until you can find a hallmark.

2. Look for a diamond-shaped lozenge with letters inside. This is a French maker's mark, designating the original item manufacturer.

3. Search for what looks like a woman's head facing right, wearing a helmet. This is the Roman goddess Minerva. Minerva is the mark for French silver.

4. Check for a boar's head looking left or a crab mark. These are found on smaller items such as snuff boxes, vinaigrettes and card cases.

5. Search for other hallmarks that have a bearded man, duck, cockerel, wolf or a man with a winged helmet. These were all used as hallmarks during various eras in France, according to the website 925-1000. A decorative letter "A" with a crown on top means that an item was made in Paris.

6. View the list of hallmarks on the 925-1000 website or in a reputable French hallmark guide, such as "Tardy's International Hallmarks on Silver."

More: Identify Silver Index 

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