So here is my issue. I have two art deco ladies watches, both with stones (sapphire), one I have not found an ID for, the other is definately a 1928 ETHELDA model. Neither of the cases state 14k gold or solid gold, One states Bulova Quality with an -A- below it and the Ethelda states Bulova Quality American Standard. I wanted to know for certain what they are so took them to two separate jewelers to be gold tested. Both came back as 14k Gold at both jewelers. Looking at the Ethelda Advert I was surprised to see it as a Solid 14k Gold model too.
I was always under the impression that if it just said Bulova Quality and didn't have the 14k Gold Stamp that it was a chrome plate or such...... so anyone have any definitive answers to this. I hate to think i've had many of these type of watches thinking they were only chrome plated when they were in fact 14k?
Gary
In reply to I could be wrong, but by mybulova_admin
In reply to William is absolutely by Time Bandit
I haven't photographed them yet but will add them soon. The Ethelda advert states 14k gold and I can find no other models exactly the same that are filled or otherwise which kind of backs up the jewelers summary. I did say to the jewellers I thought they were some kind of plate. I don't know what method they used though. Confused!
In reply to I think an acid test is de by DarHin
Yea I've had some stuff stamped 18K that the dealer wanted to test...some rings/chains etc...They told me "those 18K hallmark tools are on the market and are fraudulently applied to items". A good jeweler can tell by the weight of the ring and acid test results. Just looking and holding it after acid test.
I guess a novice could do the acid test, weigh the itme, then placed it in a narrow graduated cylinder to get (displaced) volume, and figure out if it's pure gold or not by mass...but that won't necessarily work for a watch case...LOL but would for a ring or coin....
Solid Gold Alloy, in any ratio, be it 9K, (UK) 10K, (US) 14K, 18K, 22K, (not common) in the period we are interested in, should all be marked with a purity stamp. For Antique pieces this may or may not be accompanied by a Hallmark or Trademark. This is not always required on finished jewellery in the US, but keep in mind many Bulova watches are hybrids of manufacturing, some are entirely Swiss, some a combination of Swiss and American, and some wholly American.
Considering Bulova often marked even their Gold Filled watches with a purity stamp, I find it odd that a solid case would not be so marked. Also, the acid test will sometimes show a false positive, particularly for heavy Gold plate and fill. There are modern test devices which probe the surface of a piece, showing purity, and even gold filled pieces can be quickly identified. I haven't tried one of these, they are electronic, but will probably be needing one before long.
Also, why wouldn't you mark solid alloy with a purity stamp? It's part of its appeal and why it costs more. You'd have to be totally negligent to sell unmarked gold. Just my 2¢.
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/5364 Is the main watch in question.....