585 and 375 indicate how much pure gold a piece of jewelry contains. Here, we explain the difference between 14K and 9K, as well as what the hallmarks mean.
The hallmarks 585 and 375 are common on gold jewelry and are used to indicate the gold content. These numbers help you understand what percentage of the jewelry is made of pure gold and what karat weight that corresponds to.
The rest of the jewelry is a mixture of other metals (known as an alloy). These are added to strengthen the material and give it the right shade. Thanks to this, both 585 and 375 gold can be crafted into:
Remember that the color alone never reveals the karat weight of a piece of jewelry. It is always the 585 or 375 hallmark that guarantees the actual gold content.
Yes, both 585 and 375 are, without a doubt, genuine gold. A common misconception is that a piece of jewelry must be made of 100% gold to be genuine. In reality, pure gold is far too soft to be worn as jewelry. It must be alloyed with stronger metals to withstand everyday wear and tear.
The hallmark is usually discreetly placed. You’ll usually find it on the inside of a ring band, near the clasp on a necklace, or on the back of an earring. If you have trouble deciphering the markings, a professional jeweler can quickly verify both the authenticity and the karat weight.
The economic value is primarily determined by three factors: total weight, gold content, and the current price of gold. Since a piece of 585 jewelry contains more grams of pure gold per unit of total weight, it also has a higher per-karat price than a piece of 375 jewelry.
It is worth noting that the final market value of a finished piece of jewelry is often higher than the value of the scrap gold alone. Brand, historical age, unique design, and set gemstones can significantly increase its value.
Check out the current price of gold here!
Check your jewelry for a small, engraved hallmark with the numbers 585 or 375. Since the marking is very small, you may need a magnifying glass. Sometimes the numbers are flanked by manufacturer symbols or city marks.
It is also common for 585 to be replaced by or combined with the 14K marking, while 375 may be stamped as 9K. They describe exactly the same thing, but use the karat system instead of parts per thousand.
A word of advice: Never try to scratch the jewelry or test it with strong household chemicals at home. This could damage the surface. Have an expert perform an acid test or an X-ray analysis for a reliable and risk-free answer. Here’s where you can get your gold jewelry appraised!
Both 585 and 375 are genuine gold, but they cater to different needs. 585 has a higher gold content and greater material value, while 375 is often a more durable and affordable option.
When choosing gold jewelry, it’s therefore wise to consider the big picture. Karat, design, condition, weight, and how the piece will be worn all play an important role.
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