In the Netherlands, the control of gold and silver is very strict. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is in charge of implementing the so-called Waarborgwet and takes its task very seriously. This means that only gold and silver may be sold in the Netherlands that has been inspected by an authorized body, such as the Waarborg Holland and the Edelmetaal Waarborg Nederland, and bears inspection marks and a responsibility sign.
If examination shows that the precious metal object meets the requirements, a hallmark may be placed. This hallmark, too, must meet certain legal requirements. For the Dutch quality requirements, under the Waarborgwet two signs are mandatory: the content sign and the responsibility sign (hereinafter: VT).
The content sign
The content sign is used to express the type and content of the precious metal. There are Dutch content signs (expressed in thousandths) for the following contents:
- for gold 585 (14k), 750 (18k), 833 (20k) and 916 (22k);
- For silver 835 and 925 (sterling);
- for platinum 950.
The responsibility sign (VT)
The manufacturer or importer of precious metal objects must possess a responsibility sign, often called a master sign. This master sign must be affixed to the manufactured or imported objects. The responsibility sign can be applied by the manufacturer or importer themselves, or one can choose to have this done by WaarborgHolland. The master mark often consists of the initials of the goldsmith or silversmith along with a distinctive image.
At The Gold Xperience, all jewelry is crafted by Charlotte Vogel and therefore bears her master mark. This master mark is then C [sankofa] V (see image). The Sankofa, a bird grabbing an egg from its own tail, symbolizes learning and inspiration from your past and lineage. In addition to the personal meaning, this also refers to the fact that silversmiths build on centuries of tradition and generations of knowledge.
