Hey Jim,
The laws are in old script, so will take a little time to translate it and with G's permission will post the German documents and translation on the ring forum. For those versed in this already, I beg your indulgence and please feel free to step in. Thank you.
I hope this rough translation will help explain your inquiry from above.
Translation; "Jewelry of gold and silver may in each fineness be marked and indicated in thousand parts.�
Note the word �may�. What this line is referring to of course are the �fineness marks�. Which are by law; silver .800 or more and gold .585 or more. These same fineness standards mentioned are also the minimum standard by law.
Please keep in mind that the maker �must� have by law a registered trade mark, which is the very reason for marking in the first place. So, the maker may or may not apply his registered trade mark, and may not always indicate fineness in parts per thousand. It�s the makers choice. If you have a scenario you want answered I will try my best or others more versed than I can help as well. Regards.
