Gold Bangle Bracelet Markings?

Geeee, I should have posted this in the Jewelry forum. I can't find a way to delete this query or move this query over there.

I have questions on a gold bangle etched bracelet as to its markings and possible country of origin. I know it is not antique. This was my mother's. I don't know where or when she got it. She definitely had it before 1980, and I don't remember it before 1960 though she may have had it. It was probably bought in the USA, but possibly in Canada or Spain. She and my step-father did live in Ontario for 8 years (1966-1974), and c1970 spent 2 months in Barcelona and 5 months in England on business.

The bangle is marked "14 KP." Yes, KP and not KT. I thought the "P" might stand for plated, but on recent research it appears it stands for "plumb." I believe this stands for absolute 14 KT or more as opposed to 13 something rounded up to 14 KT. Is this correct? I'm suspicious of what is found on the Internet. I always want a valued 2nd opinion. Here is one of the website with the info on KP - plumb:

Scroll down to the 5th posted message. Posted by "denverappraiser."
http://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/14kp-t19598.html

If this is correct, it seems the USA and European countries used KP. Is KP still used in Europe? As this bracelet has no other hallmarking, I assume it is probably American or Canadian?? Do European continental countries use "585" for 14 Kt? Would that include Spain? Great Britain does use KT doesn't it? Gee, it seems a 14 KT gold bangle this wide would surely have some sort of maker's mark. Does anyone think this might be a Far East piece? I am woefully ignorant on gold markings.

Description:
¾" wide, 2½" diameter, 7" around inner rim, and 8½" around outer rim. Very light. Florentine background with an etched stylized bow design. Some type of slide clasp with a narrow button on the edge. The clasp slides open, but doesn't come apart. Marked on the sliding clasp: "14 KP."

TIA.

--- Susan

 

That would be a US thing.

Prior to about 1980 gold could be marked 14K if it was anything over 13-1/2 or so.

KP is karat plumb, meaning it is truly at least 14K.

PS: don't tell anyone else. I like to make other bidders think it means some kind of plate so I can get it cheaper.

 

Attention all bidders....
Terry sez...14 kp.....is REAL 14 K gold !!!

There....all better !!

 

Pretty bangle. I have my late 1st husband's gold and diamond ring with receipt,14KP and he paid 1,350.00 so it ain't plated

 

Hi,
Several years ago I to Macy's in NYC and bought a 14KT gold bracelet for a friend. He wore it a lot and about 8 months later we were eating at a friends house and I glanced at his bracelet, it was gleaming in places and other places looked like silver. He took it off and I looked closely, the gold was peeling off. I told him I was taking it back to Macy's. I went there with my receipt and the original tags. I was told that it was not their problem since I must have switched bracelets. I was dumbfounded. When I was leaving the corperative offices I went to the jewelry department. I was telling a clerk about the problem. She said in a lowered voice. "six months ago several employees were fired for switching the tags on cheap gold jewelry and put the cheap tags on the real stuff to sell to friends." but then she said don't quote me cause I'll deny it. It made me so Damn angry to think a major store would do that. I could see a small dishonest hole in the wall doing that. Well, I went to a cheap store chain who was having a gold sale and bought the same bracelet for over half the price.
greg

 

Greg, those rotten thieves.
There was a gal I hired to help with my boarded horses at my old stable. She also worked nights at a mall cleaning shops.She had the nerve to brag to me that when she vacuumed she would slip expensive perfumes,jewelry,etc. inside the vacuum bag,then go dump the gatherings in the bin outside.
After her shift was over she would get the loot. I fired her as I was afraid she would steal my boarders expensive saddles and tack.

 

Thank you, Terry! Glad to hear it is true 14 KT and of the US. Thank you also Shiloh! Gee, Greg, that's a bummer.

--- Susan