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Jewelry hallmarks and stamps: what 925, 750 or 585 mean

· 1 min read · Buying guides

Silver bar with 925, 750 and 585 stamps

A hallmark or stamp is the engraved mark that states the purity of the metal. Knowing how to read it is the first check when buying or inheriting a piece.

How to read the numbers #

It is the proportion of pure metal in parts per thousand.

Metal Mark Meaning
Gold 999 24 karat, almost pure gold
Gold 916 22 karat (91.6%)
Gold 750 18 karat (75%)
Gold 585 14 karat (58.5%)
Gold 375 9 karat (37.5%)
Silver 925 sterling silver (92.5%)
Silver 800 lower-grade silver (80%)
Platinum 950 95% platinum
Palladium 950 95% palladium

Other marks #

In the US and some other countries, gold is stamped by karat (10K, 14K, 18K) and silver as “sterling” or 925. The law often also requires the maker's mark. In Europe there are official assay marks that show the country and the assay office.

What a stamp does not tell you #

A stamp can be forged or can refer to only part of a piece. For an important purchase, ask for a certificate or appraisal and check that the seller is trustworthy.

Plated and filled #

Marks such as “GP”, “GF” or “EP” indicate plated or filled gold layers over another metal. It is not solid gold; see the guide to gold plated, filled and vermeil.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.