Hi Linda thanks for your question. In Portugal, Jewelry lower than 12 ct (50% gold or 500 fineness) cannot even be described as gold as in Portugal 19.2 carats is the standard.
Not unheard of, under-stamping and the opposite, over-carating gold.
Mis-representing gold standard, has been going on for centuries, that's why they say hallmarks are the earliest form of consumer protection, providing the marks on the jewelry provide GENUINE disclosure.
OK. Why would any person in their right mind want to misrepresent solid gold for vermeil? People escaping the Russian Revolution with their personal assets, which includes gold russian jewelry could give you a good reason. And that's just one reason.
