Hi Sheryl thank you for writing in with the following hallmark question:
"I have a very heavy gold metal necklace (chain) marked with 28 and la bottega, the clasp has a safty bar on one side. I can't find out anything about this marking. Thank you"
Sheryl Bottega is an Italian term meaning workshop or studio.
Italian national marks since 1934 have official registered number of the Italian smith. The smith has a registered number. No. 28 could be the jeweler's number. "La Bottega" might be a trade name for his "studio collection."
18 carat gold is the minimum standard for sale in Italy. The gold content can be verified by local jeweler by acid testing the metal.
