Stephen John James (SJJ) 18ct Gold Stud Earring Post
Jewelry (Earring Component) · Stephen John James (SJJ). Registered in London, this maker is known for high-quality jewelry and precious metal components, often supplying bespoke or high-end retail sectors.
Pattern: Standard Hallmarked Post; non-pattern specific.
Type
Jewelry (Earring Component)
Maker
Stephen John James (SJJ). Registered in London, this maker is known for high-quality jewelry and precious metal components, often supplying bespoke or high-end retail sectors.
Material
18-Carat Yellow Gold. The '750' mark indicates a composition of 75% pure gold and 25% allow metals (typically copper and silver).
Dimensions
Standard earring post dimensions: approximately 10-11mm in length and 0.8mm in gauge. Weight for a single post is negligible (approx. 0.1-0.2g).
Description
A professionally hallmarked 18-carat yellow gold earring post. Though a small component, the presence of a full suite of London hallmarks—including the maker's initials SJJ and the leopard's head—demonstrates a commitment to traditional British standards of quality and consumer protection in jewelry manufacturing.
Key Features
Multiple miniature hallmark stamps on a narrow surface; 750 fineness mark; SJJ sponsor mark; London leopard head.
Material & Composition
18-Carat Yellow Gold. The '750' mark indicates a composition of 75% pure gold and 25% allow metals (typically copper and silver).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish. This is a purely functional component with laser or struck hallmarks for authentication.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The post features a full set of British hallmarks: 'SJJ' (Sponsor's/Maker's mark), '750' (Purity mark for 18ct gold), a Crown (the Gold standard mark), Leopard's Head (London Assay Office), and a Date Letter (appears to be 'm' for 2011 or 'o' for 2013 depending on precise typeface).
Construction Details
Machine-drawn wire that has been die-struck with hallmarks and likely friction-welded or soldered to the earring head.
Functional Features
Notched end for a butterfly/friction back (clutch) to secure the earring in place. Structural integrity is designed to withstand daily wear and removal.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Earring post is the grip component).
Craftsmanship Details
Precision micro-stamping. The ability to strike five distinct marks clearly on a wire less than 1mm thick indicates specialized equipment and careful execution.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly struck Assay Office marks; consistency of the 'SJJ' mark with London records; proper '750' and Crown combination for modern British 18ct gold.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom. Hallmarked at the London Assay Office (The Goldsmiths' Company).
Era & Period
Modern/Contemporary British Jewelry (21st Century). The hallmarks reflect current UK legislation requirements for precious metal hallmarking.
Age Estimate
Circa 2011-2013 based on the style of the date letter and the maker's registration period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the continuation of the British Guild system and the protection of precious metal standards through the Hallmarking Act of 1973.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The hallmarks are crisp and legible under magnification. No signs of bending, thinning, or stress fractures in the metal. Some light surface micro-scratches consistent with occasional use.
Value Estimate
Intrinsic gold value is low ($10-$20 for a pair of posts), but as part of a complete designer earring pair, the value depends on the stones and design, often ranging from $400 to $1,500.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft polishing cloth or a specialized jewelry cleaner safe for 18ct gold. Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine. Ensure the notches remain clear of debris to prevent the clutch from slipping.
Similar Pieces
Standard 9ct gold posts (marked '375'), unhallmarked 14ct gold posts (common in USA), or gold-filled/plated silver posts which lack the '750' fineness mark.
Interesting Facts
In the UK, it is a legal requirement for items of silver, gold, and platinum over a certain weight to be hallmarked before they can be described as such for sale. The London Assay Office is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to 1327.