www.925-1000.com

Wondering if anyone might recognize the maker using this hallmark. The maker's mark looks sort of like old-timey ice tongs holding an oval shape, with a "J" in one corner. It is from a gilt filigree necklace that looks like bunches of grapes. Has a Porto hallmark for 835 silver.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/umamimama/8861402174/

Hi Rubyann,

A friend informs me that it is the maker's mark of Joaquim Monteiro da Silva e Sousa, from Gondomar; registered in Porto 1953 and being cancelled in 1978. Many Gondomar makers were registered with the Porto Assay Office.

Are you sure that the standard mark is '835'. At this time it should be '833'.

Trev.