The Hallmark Research Institute
Projects Page

Read about the current and future projects of the HRI

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Completed Project:

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Title:  World Hallmarks, Volume I, Europe 19th to 21st Centuries 2nd Edition Authors: William Whetstone, Danusia Niklewicz, Lindy Matula Encompasses 39 countries of Europe past and present And the current state of 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 Complete chapter on the Hallmarking Convention The most current and comprehensive guide on European hallmarks available English language Hardbound

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Meet the Authors

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Current Projects:

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• 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 Publish Date: Late 2011 Encompasses the remaining Continents of the World Hallmarks, past and present. 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 Update of European hallmarks covered in Vol.I Completes the reporting of Hallmarks of the World Hardbound

Title:

World Hallmarks, Volume III,
ANALYTICAL POCKET COMPENDIUM
Europe 19th to 21st Centuries

• Authors: Danusia Niklewicz, William Whetstone, Lindy Matula
• Projected Publish Date: 2011
• Pocket complement to World Hallmarks 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 release
• Handy Paperback Version
  
  

• 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: 2012
      
      

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HRI News:

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2010

• 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.

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2009

• Hallmark Research Institute attends the IAAO Conference Geneve, 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 with 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 will be posted on this website when it is made known but is projected in 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.

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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)