🦅 Why the eagle's head hallmark?

The choice of the eagle head symbol as a guarantee hallmark in France is not random. Here's why this symbol was chosen:

Symbol of power and authority

Since antiquity, the eagle has been an imperial and royal emblem, symbolizing strength, vigilance, and sovereignty. Under the Empire (Napoleon I) and during the July Monarchy (reign of Louis-Philippe, in 1838), the eagle embodied the authority of the State.

Official State Guarantee

The hallmark represents the direct intervention of the State in the control of precious metals. The eagle, a noble and dominant animal, evokes the protection of the public against fraud and the integrity of the gold market.

Differentiation of precious metals

Each precious metal has a distinct symbol:

Eagle head: gold (18 carats)

Minerva head: silver

Dog or dog head: platinum (formerly)

The eagle was therefore attributed to gold to differentiate it visually and symbolically from other metals.

Aesthetics and recognizability

The eagle head is a simple yet distinctive design that can be clearly struck even on small jewelry surfaces.

In summary, the eagle head hallmark is a state symbol, chosen for what it represents: power, vigilance, legitimacy — qualities that the State wanted to associate with its guarantee on gold.

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By choosing second-hand jewelry, you are doing more than just buying a piece: you are adopting an eco-responsible approach that is both ethical and refined. Why not let yourself be tempted by a piece that, in turn, can tell your own story?