Hallmark Research Institute
 Dedicated to education and understanding in precious metal hallmarks around the world

 
            

Hallmark Research Institute

Projects Page


Read about HRI ~ Projects completed, current, future, and HRI News



Completed Project:


 

Title: 
World Hallmarks, Volume I
Europe 19th to 21st Centuries
2nd Edition

  • Authors: William Whetstone, Danusia Niklewicz, Lindy Matula
  • The most current and comprehensive guide on European hallmarks available
  • Encompasses 39 countries of Europe past and present
  • Complete chapter on the Hallmarking Convention
  • Each chapter vetted by the respective country's experts
  • Historical perspective of each country
  • Each country's hallmarking system explained
  • Chronological layout of hallmarks
  • Thousands of newly redrawn hallmarks
  • 'Understanding Hallmark Basics' section
  • Dozens of actual color hallmarks photos
  • English language
  • Hardbound

View Sample Pages
Intro Chapter  ©  Lithuania Intro Page  © Portugal Sample Page  ©  AO Chart Poland  ©  Analytical Index

Read what the Assay Offices are saying about "World Hallmarks - Vol.I"




Currently in development..


    Title:
    World Hallmarks, Volume II

    Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas
    19th to 21st Centuries

    • Authors: Lindy Matula, Danusia Niklewicz, William Whetstone
    • Projected Release Date: late 2012
    • Encompasses the remaining Continents of the World
    • Historical perspective of country and hallmarks
    • Chronological layout of hallmarks
    • Analytical arrangements of hallmarks section
    • Actual color photos of hallmarks section
    • Updated chapter on the Hallmarking Convention
    • Completes the reporting of Hallmarks of the World
    • Hardbound


Title:
World Hallmarks, Volume III,

ANALYTICAL POCKET COMPENDIUM
19th to 21st Centuries
  • Authors: Danusia Niklewicz, William Whetstone, Lindy Matula
  • Projected Publish Date: 2013
  • Pocket complement to World Hallmarks combining Vol. I & II
  • Complete with all hallmarks from each publication
  • Comprehensive analytical layout for quick referencing
  • Arrangement based on imagery and style components
  • Condensed information for better understanding of mark
  • Thousands of hallmark graphics
  • Inclusion of new marks, post Vol.I & II release
  • Handy Paperback Version



Future Projects..


Database for Online Search of Hallmark Recognition

    Title: HRI Online Hallmark Search

        • Searchable database
        • Searchable categories: mark shape, image, lettering, numbers, etc.
        • Located on HRI website
        • Fee based on searches used
        • Projected Release Date: 2014


The Authors

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HRI News:


2011

  • Hallmark Research Institute's Directors in Warsaw for the IAAO Fall Session

Director's Whetstone, Niklewicz, and Matula were in Warsaw, Poland to meet with IAAO delegates at their 2011 Fall Session and present the strides HRI made this year in furthering hallmarking awareness.  After the meeting, the HRI directors and IAAO attendees were toured through the Polish Mint, the Warsaw Assay Office, and historic Warsaw. Followed by a trip to Krakow, the Directors were fortunate enough to spend time with Director Aleksandra Gorkiewicz-Malina at the Krakow Assay Office.

  • Hallmark Research Institute's Directors Researching in Istanbul

Istanbul was the next stop in the Fall journey abroad to seek out an expert on the fascinating world of the Ottoman hallmarking.  The leading expert and author, Garo Kirkman, met with the HRI Directors and provided insight to the intricacies of the Turkish hallmarking system.  We look forward to continued collaboration for the next HRI book on World Hallmarks.

  • Hallmark Research Institute Participates in GIA Research Symposium 2011

The 2011 Gemological Institute of America's Research Symposium “Advancing the Science and Business of Gems,” was attended by over 700 industry members from 35 countries.  The Hallmark Research Institute participated in the Symposium's Poster Sessions that ran simultaneously throughout the three day event. Described in a GIA Press Release, "The Poster Sessions provided an interactive forum where scientific, technical and business information was communicated. Attendees were able to find out the latest research and developments through 64 poster displays and direct discussion with poster presenters."

The title of HRI's Poster was "HALLMARKING, A Powerful Benefit to Consumer, Retailer, and International Trade," which presented the argument that assaying and hallmarking are a feasible prospect to implement with multi level benefits. The three HRI Directors (Matula, Niklewicz, Whetstone) were present to meet with attendees and to discuss the concepts of hallmarking.  You may download the session's summary here


2010

  • Hallmark Research Institute in Tel Aviv for the IAAO Fall Session

The Hallmark Research Institute (HRI) journeyed to Tel Aviv for the fall session of the International Association of Assay Offices (IAAO) Meetings. HRI presented to the IAAO a current status of research in Volume II for the HRI World Hallmarks Book Series.  Consistent with the trusted relationship that has been established between HRI and the IAAO, members attending were helpful in offering their assistance in offering contacts and information where ever possible. The HRI is grateful for the continued cooperation the IAAO extends HRI.

Following the meeting HRI, represented by Director Danusia Niklewicz, joined the IAAO members in a tour of the Israel Assay Office and Diamond Museum.  A day long tour of Jerusalem for the group was arranged by the Israel Office of Standards.

HRI continued on with a special visit to the Israel Assay Office in Tel Aviv, the Ramallah Assay Office and then on to Egypt where Ms. Niklewicz met with the Director and staff of the Egyptian Assay Office in Cairo. 

Follow these HRI travels and more on the Hallmark Research Institute Facebook page!

 

  • World Hallmarks, Vol. I - Europe now available through the GIA Bookstore!

The Gemological Institute of America now offers it's students worldwide the opportunity to purchase HRI's book World Hallmarks, through their bookstore online at GIA.edu.

 

  • Hallmark Research Institute's 2nd Printing of World Hallmarks is Released

The Directors of the Hallmark Research Institute (HRI), William Whetstone, Danusia Niklewicz, and Lindy Matula were pleased to announce the release of their second printing of volume I, the first book in a series on World Hallmarks. After years of meticulous orchestration of artists and imagery, historic research and new information, writing and revisions, and the collaboration with experts spanning the globe, the 2010 release of this publication was welcome news to all who have waited patiently for this publication to be in print.  Within months of the first release, the book has sold out of the first run. Additions, revisions and expanding of some charts makes the second edition even more valuable as a research tool.

World Hallmarks - Vol.I - Europe 19th - 21st Centuries 2nd edition is now available here on this website, through ABEbooks, NAJA membership, 21st Street Booksellers and Judy Cohen Rare Books.



2009

  • Hallmark Research Institute attends the IAAO Conference Geneva, Sept. 2009

In September of 2009, HRI attended the International Association of Assay Offices (IAAO) 2009 Conference in Geneva to distribute to its members copies of the newly released publication World Hallmarks - Vol.I - Europe 19th - 21st Centuries.  Each assay office received a copy in gratitude for their assistance in the research of their respective countries. Many officers expressed their thanks and appreciation, in return, for the quality of production and the immense efforts of each author to create such a detailed hallmark reference book. 

HRI vows to continue working with the members of the IAAO as a means to keeping up to date with all the changes that may occur in hallmarking in the years to come.

  • Hallmark Research Institute's 1st Printing of World Hallmarks Has Sold Out...

The Directors of the Hallmark Research Institute (HRI), William Whetstone, Danusia Niklewicz, and Lindy Matula were pleased to announce the release of their first book in a series on World Hallmarks. After years of meticulous orchestration of artists and imagery, historic research and new information, writing and revisions, and the collaboration of experts spanning the globe, the 2009 summer release of this publication was welcome news to all who have waited patiently for this publication to be in print.  Within months of this first release, the book has sold out of the first run.

Formal announcement of World Hallmarks - Vol.I - Europe 19th - 21st Centuries second printing's release was posted on this website MAY 2010.

  • World Hallmarks - Vol. I - Europe, 19th-21st Centuries is RELEASED!

The Founders of the Hallmark Research Institute (HRI), William Whetstone, Danusia Niklewicz, and Lindy Matula are pleased to announce the summer release of their first volume in a series on world hallmarks. Based on the Five S System of hallmark analysis, Whetstone, Niklewicz, and Matula bring to print a clear and informative understanding of the information precious metal hallmarks have to offer. This first volume concentrates on the hallmarking countries of Europe and their marks as they have evolved over the past 200 years.

Virtually every chapter has been reviewed and vetted by experts from International Association of Assay Offices (IAAO) and other European country assay offices. Designed for all persons handling precious metals including gemologists, appraisers, dealers, and collectors of modern and antique jewelry, silver hollowware, cutlery, and objets de art, this resource is a welcome addition to any research library.

Printed and published in the United States, “World Hallmarks - Volume I - Europe, 19th to 21st Centuries”, is anticipated to debut this July at the 2009 Antique Jewelry and Art Conference, at Hofstra University, Long Island, New York.




2008
  • Directors of the Hallmark Research Institute address the IAAO 2008 Session

The Directors of the Hallmark Research Institute (HRI), William Whetstone, Danusia Niklewicz, and Lindy Matula addressed the assembly of Delegates attending the 2008 International Association of Assay Offices (IAAO) formally called the Association of European Assay Offices (AEAO) in London April 2008. In a brief presentation, HRI outlined their project "World Hallmarks - Volume I - Continental Europe" and conveyed their hope for the cooperation of Members of the IAAO to assist in researching details of history, imagery, dating and use of hallmarks not readily available, published or have been misreported. The HRI Directors request for assistance was met with enthusiasm and approval by every attending country.

"To have been given the opportunity to approach an IAAO assembly was an honor in itself but to have such a positive and resounding response by the members was not only amazing but very encouraging. We look forward to interacting with all the contacts we have made on this trip. We anticipate the results to be a new benchmarking in hallmark research and reporting."
Danusia Niklewicz, GG, FGA, ISA-CAPP, ASA (5/08)





  
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