Pure gold is too soft for jewellery, so it is almost always mixed with other metals. The fineness tells you how much pure gold is in it – given in thousandths or in carats.
Carat and fineness
999 is pure gold (24 carat). The number gives the gold content in thousandths: so 585 means 58.5% pure gold. The rest is made up of other metals that decide the colour and hardness. The overview below shows the common alloys.
All common gold alloys at a glance
| Fineness | Carat | Properties & use |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24 kt | 99.9% pure fine gold – very soft, mainly for bars and investment. |
| 916 | 22 kt | 91.6% gold – warm gold colour, traditional wedding jewellery and investment; rather soft. |
| 875 | 21 kt | 87.5% gold – common in Middle Eastern and oriental jewellery. |
| 750 | 18 kt | 75% gold – high-quality jewellery with a good balance of value and durability. |
| 585 | 14 kt | 58.5% gold – hard and scratch-resistant, ideal for everyday jewellery. |
| 375 | 9 kt | 37.5% gold – affordable and very hard-wearing. |
| 333 | 8 kt | 33.3% gold – traditionally the lowest common fineness in Germany. |
With us you'll find mainly 585 and 916 gold – we are happy to make or source other alloys on request.
585 gold (14 carat)
585 gold is harder and more scratch-resistant – which makes it ideal for jewellery you wear every day.
916 gold (22 carat)
A high gold content and the rich, warm colour so valued in the Turkish tradition. 916 gold is softer and, thanks to its high fineness, holds its material value particularly well.
Which suits you?
For sturdy everyday jewellery, 585 is the right choice; for traditional wedding jewellery and as an investment, 916. We'll gladly talk it through with you at your ease.