What Does 585 Mean on Gold Jewelry? A Simple Guide to Gold Hallmarks

Turn over a gold ring or look closely at a clasp and you will often find a tiny three-digit number: 585, 750, 375 or 916. These numbers are gold hallmarks, and they tell you exactly how much gold the piece contains.

585 means 14 karat gold

The number is a measure of gold content in parts per thousand. A piece stamped 585 contains 585 parts pure gold out of every 1,000. That is the European and international way of writing 14 karat gold, and it is the standard for fine jewelry made to be worn every day.

The rest of the alloy is made of metals such as silver, copper and zinc. They are not filler. Pure gold is too soft for rings, chains and clasps that are worn daily. The alloy is what gives 14K gold its strength, its scratch resistance and, depending on the mix, its yellow, white or rose color.

Common gold hallmarks at a glance

Why 585 and not 583?

Fourteen twenty-fourths works out to about 583. Jewelers round the standard up to 585 so that a piece stamped 14K is guaranteed to meet or exceed true 14 karat content. The stamp is a minimum, not an estimate.

Where to find the stamp

• Rings: on the inside of the band.
• Necklaces and bracelets: on the clasp or a small tag next to it.
• Earrings: on the post, the back or the hinge of a hoop.
• Pendants: on the bail or the back of the pendant.

Next to the number you may also see a maker's mark or an assay office mark, depending on the country.

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Stamps that do not mean solid gold

Some markings look official but indicate plating or a gold layer over another metal:

• GP, GEP or HGE: gold plated or heavy gold electroplate.
• GF or 1/20 14K: gold filled, a bonded gold layer over brass.
• 925 with a gold color: sterling silver with gold plating, often sold as vermeil.
• 14K with no 585 and a very low price: worth asking about. Stamps can be faked, which is why buying from a jeweler who states the material clearly matters.

If you want to understand the difference in more depth, read our guide to solid gold vs gold filled vs gold plated.

Is 585 gold real gold?

Yes. A piece stamped 585 is real, solid 14 karat gold through its whole body. It will not tarnish, it can be resized and repaired, and it holds its value as precious metal. For jewelry you plan to wear every day, it is the balance most jewelers recommend: rich in color, and strong enough for rings, chains and earrings that never come off.

Every piece we make is stamped 585

Each piece from our atelier in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is solid 14K gold and carries the 585 stamp, so you never have to take our word for it.

Frequently asked questions

Is 585 gold good quality?

Yes. 585 is 14 karat gold, the most popular standard for fine jewelry worldwide because it combines a rich color with the strength needed for everyday wear.

What is the difference between 585 and 750 gold?

585 is 14K gold and 750 is 18K gold. 750 contains more gold and has a deeper yellow color, while 585 is harder and more resistant to scratches.

Can 585 gold be white or rose gold?

Yes. The 585 stamp only describes how much gold is in the alloy. The other metals in the mix decide whether it is yellow, white or rose gold.

Does a 585 stamp guarantee the gold is real?

A stamp is a strong indication, but stamps can be faked. Buy from jewelers who state the material clearly, and have a piece tested if anything seems off.

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