If you have ever looked closely at a gold ring, necklace, bracelet or pendant, you may have noticed tiny numbers stamped into the metal. These numbers often include 375, 585, 750 or 916. Jewellers and gold buyers call these markings gold hallmarks.
Gold hallmarks help identify the purity of gold, the percentage of real gold in an item, and the potential value of the jewellery. If you are thinking about selling gold online, understanding these markings can help you make a more informed decision.
What Is a Gold Hallmark?
A gold hallmark is an official mark stamped onto gold jewellery or gold items to show the purity of the metal. In the UK, official assay offices test gold items and apply hallmarks to confirm that each item meets the stated standard of purity.
Hallmarks are usually very small. You can often find them inside a ring band, on a necklace clasp, on a bracelet link or on the back of a pendant.
You can learn more about UK hallmarking rules from the London Assay Office.
What Do the Numbers on Gold Mean?
The numbers stamped on gold jewellery show the amount of pure gold in the item. These numbers use parts per thousand.
For example, 375 means the item contains 375 parts pure gold out of 1,000. This means the item contains 37.5% pure gold.
- 375 means 37.5% pure gold
- 585 means 58.5% pure gold
- 750 means 75% pure gold
- 916 means 91.6% pure gold
Manufacturers mix pure gold with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc or palladium. These metals strengthen the jewellery because pure gold is naturally soft.
What Does 375 Mean on Gold?
A 375 hallmark means the item contains 37.5% pure gold. People also call this 9ct gold or 9 carat gold.
Jewellers often use 375 gold for rings, chains, earrings, bracelets and everyday jewellery because it offers good durability.
Although 375 gold contains less pure gold than higher carat gold, it is still real gold and can still carry value.
If you want to sell gold jewellery online, 375 gold items can still be worth money depending on their weight and the current gold price.
Is 375 Gold Real Gold?
Yes, 375 gold is real gold. It contains 37.5% pure gold mixed with other metals for strength and durability.
Is 375 Gold Valuable?
375 gold has value because it contains genuine gold. Its value depends mainly on the item’s weight and the current gold price.
You can check the live market price of gold on the LBMA Gold Price website.
What Does 585 Mean on Gold?
A 585 hallmark means the item contains 58.5% pure gold. People also call this 14ct gold or 14 carat gold.
Many people choose 585 gold because it balances gold content, durability, appearance and value. It has a richer gold colour than 375 gold while still remaining strong enough for regular wear.
Is 585 Gold Worth More Than 375 Gold?
Yes, 585 gold usually has a higher value than 375 gold because it contains a higher percentage of pure gold.
If you own damaged or unwanted 585 jewellery, you can also sell scrap gold online for cash.
What Does 750 Mean on Gold?
A 750 hallmark means the item contains 75% pure gold. People also call this 18ct gold or 18 carat gold.
Luxury brands frequently use 750 gold in premium jewellery, designer jewellery, high-end watches and wedding jewellery.
Because it contains more pure gold than 375 or 585 gold, 750 gold generally has a higher value.
Is 750 Gold Real Gold?
Yes, 750 gold is real gold. It contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals.
Is 750 Gold Better Than 375 Gold?
750 gold contains more gold and usually has a higher value. However, 375 gold can offer better durability because it contains more strengthening metals.
If you have luxury gold jewellery or investment jewellery, you may wish to request a gold valuation online before selling.
What Does 916 Mean on Gold?
A 916 hallmark means the item contains 91.6% pure gold. People also call this 22ct gold or 22 carat gold.
Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern jewellers commonly use 916 gold in traditional jewellery, investment jewellery and some gold coins.
Because it contains a very high amount of pure gold, 916 gold usually has strong resale value.
Why Is 916 Gold So Yellow?
916 gold has a rich yellow colour because it contains a very high percentage of pure gold.
Many investors also buy and sell gold coins online containing high-purity gold.
Gold Hallmark Comparison Table
| Hallmark | Carat | Gold Purity |
|---|---|---|
| 375 | 9ct | 37.5% |
| 585 | 14ct | 58.5% |
| 750 | 18ct | 75% |
| 916 | 22ct | 91.6% |
| 999 | 24ct | 99.9% |
What Is 999 Gold?
999 gold is almost pure gold. People also call it 24ct gold or fine gold.
Investors commonly buy 999 gold bars, bullion and some investment coins. Jewellers use it less often for everyday jewellery because it is very soft.
You can find more information about bullion standards on the Royal Mint website.
Do All Gold Items Have Hallmarks?
Not all gold items have visible hallmarks. Older, imported, worn or damaged items may not show a clear stamp.
If your gold does not have a hallmark, it may still be genuine. Professional testers can confirm the purity and value of the item.
Modern gold buyers often use XRF gold testing to determine precise gold purity.
Can Fake Gold Have Hallmarks?
Yes, counterfeit sellers sometimes add fake hallmarks to imitation jewellery. A hallmark can help, but it should not be the only way to confirm whether gold is genuine.
Professional gold buyers may use testing methods such as XRF testing, acid testing or electronic testing to check the metal accurately.
You can read more about hallmarking guidance from the UK Government Hallmarking Guidance.
Does White Gold Have Hallmarks?
Yes, white gold uses the same hallmark system as yellow gold. A white gold ring may carry a 375, 585 or 750 stamp depending on its purity.
The hallmark shows the gold content, not the colour of the gold.
If you own unwanted white gold jewellery, you can sell white gold online for cash.
Does Rose Gold Have Hallmarks?
Yes, rose gold also uses the same hallmark system. Manufacturers create rose gold by mixing gold with copper and other metals to produce a pink tone.
A rose gold item may carry a 375, 585 or 750 mark depending on its gold purity.
You can also sell rose gold jewellery online in the same way as yellow or white gold.
Can You Sell Gold Without a Hallmark?
Yes, you can sell gold without a hallmark. A missing hallmark does not automatically mean the item has no value.
Hallmarks can become worn, damaged or difficult to see over time. A professional gold buyer can test the item to confirm whether it contains real gold.
If you are unsure, you can request a professional gold testing service.
How Gold Purity Affects Value
The higher the gold purity, the more pure gold the item contains. This usually increases the value by weight.
For example, 750 gold will usually be worth more than 375 gold of the same weight because it contains twice as much pure gold.
However, the final value depends on several factors, including the current gold price, the weight of the item, the purity of the gold and any additional value from diamonds, gemstones or designer branding.
Why Gold Hallmarks Matter When Selling Gold
Gold hallmarks help sellers understand what type of gold they have before requesting a valuation.
Knowing whether your gold is 375, 585, 750 or 916 can help you understand why one item may be worth more than another.
For example, a small 750 gold ring may be worth more than a larger 375 gold ring if it contains more pure gold overall.
You can use a gold price calculator to estimate the value of your jewellery before selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 375 mean on gold?
375 means the item contains 37.5% pure gold. People also call it 9ct gold.
What does 585 mean on jewellery?
585 means the jewellery contains 58.5% pure gold. People also call it 14ct gold.
What does 750 mean on gold?
750 means the item contains 75% pure gold. People also call it 18ct gold.
What does 916 mean on gold?
916 means the item contains 91.6% pure gold. People also call it 22ct gold.
Which gold hallmark is best?
There is no single best hallmark. Higher purity gold contains more gold and usually has a higher value, while lower purity gold can offer greater durability.
Can gold be real without a hallmark?
Yes, gold can be real without a visible hallmark. Professional testing can confirm whether the item contains genuine gold.
Can fake jewellery have a gold hallmark?
Yes, fake jewellery can sometimes carry a false hallmark, which is why professional testing is important.
Final Thoughts
Gold hallmarks offer one of the easiest ways to understand the purity and potential value of your gold jewellery.
If your item carries a 375, 585, 750 or 916 mark, the number tells you how much pure gold the item contains.
Understanding these markings can help you make better decisions when buying, valuing or selling gold.
If you are unsure what your gold is worth, you can contact our team for a professional valuation and expert guidance.