Posted 8 years ago
Francesca
(2 items)
This is a super cool piece of jewelry left to me by my mother, but another great mystery. The cameo is St George Slaying a Dragon, stamped with a star/634/NA then 585 (yellow gold). It's also signed in cursive on the back of shell (partially illegible) and carved C.M. on the bottom on the front. From what I have been able to conjure up so far, is that .585 is European gold that is 58.8% gold aka 14 kt in the U.S. I would like to know the era, and what does the star and 634 mean? Also, if anyone can read the signature, it's been driving me mad! Thank You!
The * 634 NA is a registration number for a company in Napoli, Italy. I looked at the registration site on the Silver Forum and didn't find it listed. If you have any cocoa powder in the house, rub some into the signature so it stands out. (You can wash it off with water.)
Your brooch was made not earlier than 1971.
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=27003&hilit=Napoli
"The law requiring the new format of the registration mark was enacted January 30, 1968. Nevertheless, the " regolamento di attuazione" (putting into effect regulation) was issued on 30 12 1970, and published in the "Gazzetta ufficiale" (official gazette) August 17, 1971. Thus the new style mark containing the star will not be found marked on items prior to 1971."
Great tip! I tried the cocoa powder and it did highlight the signature, but the cursive handwriting makes it difficult know the exact letters. I also thought the time period after 1930's because of the clasp. Awesome information Thank you!
After more research and using the cocoa powder technique, I found out the artist name! It's Gennaro Borriello from Naples IT a well-known cameo artist! Thank you again for the information!
Congratulations on solving this mystery!