Many pieces of jewellery carry a small stamp – the hallmark. It reveals the fineness and is an important first clue, but it doesn't replace a professional test.
What the number means
The fineness is stamped in thousandths: 999 (24 carat), 916 (22 carat), 750 (18 carat), 585 (14 carat), 375 (9 carat) and 333 (8 carat). So 585 stands for 58.5% pure gold. Internationally you'll also find carat markings such as 22K.
Hallmark glossary: what does it say?
Common stamps and their meaning – including marks that precisely do not indicate solid gold.
| Stamp | Meaning | Solid gold? |
|---|---|---|
| 999 · 24K | Fine gold (HAS) – mostly bars & coins | ✓ yes |
| 916 · 22 Ayar | 22 carat – very common on Turkish jewellery | ✓ yes |
| 875 · 21 Ayar | 21 carat – common on Turkish jewellery | ✓ yes |
| 750 · 18K | 18 carat | ✓ yes |
| 585 · 14K | 14 carat | ✓ yes |
| 375 · 9K | 9 carat | ✓ yes |
| 333 · 8K | 8 carat | ✓ yes |
| 925 | Sterling silver – “925 gold” is only gold-plated silver | ✕ no |
| GP · GEP | Gold plated – thin gold layer on base metal | ✕ no |
| GF · Doublé | Gold filled – base-metal core | ✕ no |
| HGE · RGP | Electroplated or rolled-gold plated | ✕ no |
| PT · 950 · PD | Platinum or palladium – precious, but not gold | — |
Add-ons like GP, GF or HGE and 925 mean: not solid gold. If in doubt, we determine the exact content with the GOLDSCOPE SD.
Where to find the stamp
The stamp usually sits somewhere inconspicuous: inside the band on rings, at the clasp on chains, on the underside of bracelets – a loupe often helps. Next to it you'll frequently find a maker's or responsibility mark, and on Turkish jewellery an additional state hallmark (damga).
Mandatory? Not in Germany
In Germany, hallmarking is not required by law. So a missing stamp doesn't automatically mean it isn't gold – and conversely, a stamp that is present is no forgery-proof proof.
With us: tested non-destructively
Real certainty about authenticity, fineness and alloy comes only from a professional test – more reliable than any stamp. We test your jewellery non-destructively and advise you honestly.
With this X-ray fluorescence analyser (XRF) we determine authenticity and alloy contact-free and without any damage: in minutes, the exact content of gold, silver, platinum and palladium along with all alloy components – no acid, no scratches.