How do you read gold stamps?

Gold stamps on jewelry indicate its purity, measured in karats or fineness. For example, '585' means 58.5% pure gold, or 14K. The remaining percentage consists of alloy metals for durability and color.

How do I identify my jewelry markings?

Identify jewelry markings by examining the stamp on your piece. Common gold stamps include numbers like 417 (10K), 585 (14K), and 750 (18K). Additional symbols may indicate the manufacturer, country of origin, or specific metals in the alloy.

What does real gold stamp look like?

A real gold stamp usually includes a karat marking such as 'K' or 'KT' with a number in front of it (e.g., '14K' for 14-karat gold) or a three-digit number representing the gold's fineness (e.g., '585' for 14K gold).

Can fake gold still be stamped?

Yes, fake gold can still be stamped with markings that mimic real gold stamps. It's important to have your jewelry appraised by a professional to verify its authenticity, especially if the piece's origin is uncertain.

A Guide to Understanding Gold Jewelry Stamps

by Werneri Grundström

February 04, 2024

Gold jewelry isn't just a statement of elegance; it's a tapestry woven with history, quality, and value, each piece marked with tiny inscriptions that hold significant meanings. At Nobbier, we pride ourselves on not just crafting exquisite gold jewelry but also on educating our customers about the intricate world of gold markings. Today, let's dive into the enigmatic world of gold jewelry stamps and their meanings, a topic that resonates deeply with connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.

Guide to Gold Jewelry Hallmarks Meanings

When it comes to gold jewelry, every piece is a mosaic of beauty and secrets, with its value and story inscribed in tiny, often overlooked gold stamps. At Nobbier, we believe in not just providing you with exquisite jewelry but also in demystifying the tiny marks that hold vast information about your cherished pieces. From the lustrous aisles of 24k gold wonders to the intricate designs of gold hoop earrings, every piece has a tale, told through its karat stamp.

Assortment of intricately designed gold coins with detailed embossing, representing the artistry and value encoded in jewelry hallmarks.

The 24K Gold

999 Stamp: This stamp is the hallmark of 24k gold, indicating a composition that's as close to pure gold as you can get in fine jewelry. With 99.9% gold content, 24k pieces are a testament to luxury and purity, revered for their rich, vibrant hue. Our blog post on the '999' stamp's significance delves into the allure and craftsmanship of 24k gold jewelry, offering insights into why this level of purity is both rare and revered.

The 21K Gold

875 Stamp: The '875' marking signifies 21k gold, composed of 87.5% gold. This high karat level is less common but highly sought after for its deeper coloration and higher gold content, striking a balance between the softness of pure gold and the practicality of lower karat pieces. Our exploration into the world of 21k gold provides a deeper understanding of its beauty and how it compares to other karatages.

The 18K Gold

750 Stamp: With a '750' stamp, 18k gold boasts 75% purity, offering an optimal blend of color, durability, and value. This karat is a favorite for those who seek the rich look of gold with added strength for everyday wear. Our comprehensive guide on the '750' gold stamp takes you through the intricacies of 18k gold, highlighting its place as a cornerstone in fine jewelry.

The 16K Gold

666 Stamp: Though less conventional, the '666' stamp on a piece of jewelry denotes 16k gold, which contains 66.6% pure gold. This unique purity level offers a distinctive alternative for those seeking something different from the more common karats. Our insightful article on 16k gold's unique charm sheds light on its characteristics and the niche it occupies in the jewelry market.

The 14K Gold

585 Stamp: The '585' marking is synonymous with 14k gold, indicating that 58.5% of the jewelry is pure gold. This is a popular choice for its perfect balance between purity and practicality, offering a rich gold appearance with enhanced durability for daily wear. Our detailed 14k gold guide explores the significance of the '585' stamp, providing insights into why 14k gold is a favorite among jewelry lovers for its beauty and resilience.

The 12K Gold

500 Stamp: Jewelry marked with '500' signifies 12k gold, which is composed of exactly 50% gold and 50% alloy. This lesser-known karatage offers a lighter gold color and is often used in pieces where durability and cost-effectiveness are key. While 12k gold pieces are less common, they hold a unique place in the spectrum of gold jewelry, offering a more affordable entry point into the world of gold without forgoing the allure. Dive into the characteristics and uses of 12k gold in our comprehensive article.

The 10K Gold

417 Stamp: The '417' stamp represents 10k gold, which contains 41.7% gold. This is the lowest karatage that can still be legally sold as gold jewelry in many countries, prized for its high durability and lower price point. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking for genuine gold jewelry that can withstand the rigors of everyday wear. Our 10k gold guide offers a closer look at this practical and popular option, highlighting its advantages and considerations.

The 9K Gold

375 Stamp: A '375' stamp on your jewelry means it is 9k gold, comprising 37.5% pure gold. Popular in the UK and other parts of the world, 9k gold offers an economical entry point into gold jewelry, making it accessible without compromising the essence of owning a gold piece. Although it has the lowest gold content compared to higher karatages, 9k gold maintains a place in the heart of those who value gold's timeless appeal on a budget. Learn more about the charm and practicality of 9k gold in our insightful 9k gold guide.

Color and Purity in Gold Jewelry

In the intricate world of gold jewelry, the narrative extends beyond the mere deciphering of hallmarks and ventures into the realm of color, each hue interwoven with its own purity and significance. This convergence of color and purity not only defines the character and value of a piece but also enriches the story behind every hallmark.

Elegant antique gold coins with detailed engravings, overlaid on paper with historical handwriting, highlighting the storytelling behind jewelry hallmarks.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold, the most classic of gold colors, is achieved by alloying pure gold with silver and copper. The proportions vary, but common alloys for 18K yellow gold include 75% gold with the remainder divided between silver and copper. This blend ensures the perfect balance of warmth and strength, making it ideal for a wide range of jewelry.

Rose, Red, and Pink Gold

Rose gold, with its romantic blush, is created by increasing the copper content in the alloy, which can range from a delicate pink to a deeper red hue. For example, 18K rose gold typically consists of 75% gold, with the rest being mostly copper and a small amount of silver. The specific blend of metals gives rose gold its unique warmth and softness in color, making it a favorite for its vintage appeal and flattering tones.

Green Gold

Green gold, or electrum, harks back to ancient times and is essentially an alloy of gold and silver. The naturally occurring electrum was used by ancient civilizations, but today's green gold might also include copper to adjust the color. The result is a subtle greenish hue that offers an alternative to the traditional gold colors, providing a unique aesthetic for special jewelry pieces.

White Gold

White gold represents modern sophistication, created by alloying gold with white metals like palladium or nickel and often coated with rhodium for a bright, reflective finish. The blend not only achieves the desired white hue but also contributes to the durability and scratch resistance of the jewelry, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Purple Gold

Purple gold, a more recent innovation, is an intermetallic compound rather than a simple alloy. This unique gold is made by combining gold with aluminum, resulting in a striking purple hue. Due to its brittleness, purple gold is typically used in jewelry as an accent or inlaid piece rather than the main material. Its composition is approximately 79% gold, aligning it with 18 karat gold in terms of purity.

Black Gold

Black gold achieves its dramatic hue through various methods, including patination, controlled oxidation, or even the application of amorphous carbon via a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition process. The resulting range of colors from black to brown allows for bold and edgy jewelry designs that stand out from traditional gold pieces.

Conclusion

At Nobbier, we invite you to explore the world of gold jewelry with an informed eye, appreciating not just the visible beauty of each piece but also the rich history and craftsmanship encoded in those tiny stamps. Whether you're selecting a timeless treasure for yourself or a loved one, understanding these markings can enhance your appreciation for the artistry and value of your choice. Dive into our collections and editorial insights to discover pieces that resonate with your style and story, all while armed with the knowledge to discern the true quality of gold jewelry.

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About the Author

Werneri Grundström

Werneri Grundström is a renowned expert in the Nordic jewelry industry, with over a decade of experience in the field. As a writer for Nobbier, a leading Nordic jewelry brand, Werneri shares his extensive knowledge and passion for jewelry and fashion with readers around the world.

With a keen eye for style and a commitment to quality, Werneri provides valuable insights and advice for jewelry enthusiasts and fashion-conscious readers alike. His engaging and informative writing style has earned him a loyal following among Nobbier's audience.