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

> What the numbers stamped on jewelry mean (925, 750, 585, Pt950) and how to read gold, silver and platinum marks.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-14
- Updated: 2026-07-14
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/contrastes-y-punzones-de-joyeria/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold-plated-filled-vermeil-and-solid/).

## See also

- [How to tell if gold is real](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-tell-if-gold-is-real/)
- [How to tell if silver is real](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-tell-if-silver-is-real/)
- [What is 925 silver (sterling silver)](https://www.711grados.com/en/what-is-925-silver/)