What Does 14k, 18k, and 585/750/916 Stamp Mean? (Hallmarks Guide)
Flip over a ring or look at the inside of a bracelet and you’ll usually see tiny numbers and letters: 14k, 18k, 585, 750, 916, sometimes 10k or 925.
These are hallmarks—they tell you what metal the piece is and how pure it is.
Karat vs Number Stamps: Two Ways to Say the Same Thing
Gold purity is expressed in two main systems:
-
Karat (K) – out of 24 parts
-
Fineness numbers – parts of pure gold per 1,000
They match up like this:
-
14k = 585 → 58.5% pure gold
-
18k = 750 → 75.0% pure gold
-
22k = 916 → 91.6% pure gold
So if you see 585 inside a ring instead of “14k,” it’s the same thing—just the European-style marking.
What 14k / 585 Means
14k / 585
-
14 parts gold, 10 parts alloy (copper, silver, etc.)
-
Strong, good for everyday wear
-
Common choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry in the U.S.
You’ll usually see it stamped as 14k, 14kt, 585, or sometimes both: 14k 585.
What 18k / 750 Means
18k / 750
-
18 parts gold, 6 parts alloy
-
Richer, deeper gold color than 14k
-
Slightly softer, so it can scratch a bit easier, but has a more “luxury” feel
Stamped as 18k, 18kt, 750, or 18k 750.
What 22k / 916 Means
22k / 916
-
22 parts gold, 2 parts alloy
-
Very high purity with a deep yellow color
-
Softer and more malleable, common in certain cultural jewelry (bangles, coins, heirloom pieces)
Stamped as 22k, 916, or sometimes 22k 916.
Other Common Stamps You’ll See
-
10k / 417 → 41.7% gold (budget-friendly, very durable)
-
24k / 999 → 99.9% pure gold (usually coins, bars, some very soft jewelry)
-
925 → sterling silver (92.5% silver)
-
PLAT / 950 → platinum, often 95% pure
If a piece has no metal hallmark at all, treat it with suspicion unless you know the source.
Where to Look for Hallmarks
You’ll usually find these tiny marks:
-
inside a ring shank
-
on the clasp of a chain or bracelet
-
on the post or back of an earring
-
on the bail of a pendant
They may be alone (e.g., 585) or next to a maker’s mark or logo.
Why Hallmarks Matter
Hallmarks are important because they:
-
tell you what you’re paying for (gold vs gold-plated vs silver)
-
help jewelers price repairs, resizing, and custom work correctly
-
matter for insurance, appraisals, and resale value
At Source Jewelry, we clearly stamp our pieces with the correct hallmarks so you always know exactly what metal you’re wearing.
Short Excerpt
Confused by tiny stamps like 14k, 18k, 585, 750, or 916 inside your jewelry? This quick hallmarks guide explains what each number means, how karats translate to gold purity, and how to tell real gold from simple plating.
