What is 800 silver jewellery?

Vintage jewellery buyers sometimes come across pieces of jewellery with the number 800 stamped in the back, just like this pair of Vintage cuff links:

The 800 stands for 800 grade silver or 800 parts of silver per 1000 parts.  This standard of silver has been heavily throughout Europe including France, Belgium and Germany for many years. Any vintage  jewellery stamped 800 may well be European in origin although other factors may indicate an Eastern or Asian origin . It is most unlikely that an 800 grade silver piece is British in origin as this grade of silver was not recognised until 1999.

This Antique brooch is made of 800 grade silver which has been engine turned and enameled in blue

A very attractive little antique brooch made of 800 silver ( stamped 800 on the reverse) and enameled in a wonderful Royal Blue colour. This brooch is in the form of a buckle. It dates from the early 190os. This piece of antique jewellery measures about 2.1 cms long