What does 585 mean on gold?
585 means the piece is 58.5% pure gold, which is 14 karat. The number is the gold content in parts per thousand: 417 is 10K, 585 is 14K, 750 is 18K, 916 is 22K and 999 is pure 24K gold.
Karat and number stamps
| Stamp | Karat | Pure gold | Common in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 375 | 9K | 37.5% | UK, older European pieces |
| 417 or 416 | 10K | 41.7% | US; the lowest karat sold as gold in the US |
| 585 or 583 | 14K | 58.5% | US and Europe; the most common karat in the US |
| 750 | 18K | 75% | Europe and fine jewelry |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | India, the Middle East, gold coins |
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Pure gold, bullion |
Karat (K or kt) is gold content in 24 parts, so 14K is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. Those other metals make it harder and set its color: yellow, white or rose gold can all be the same karat.
Stamps that mean it is not solid gold
| Stamp | Meaning | Gold value |
|---|---|---|
| GF, 1/20 14K GF | Gold-filled: a thick layer of gold bonded over a base metal | Small |
| GP, GEP, RGP | Gold-plated or electroplated: a very thin layer of gold | Very small |
| HGE, HGP | Heavy gold electroplate: still a thin plating | Very small |
| Vermeil | Sterling silver with a gold layer | Silver plus a little gold |
| 925, Sterling | Sterling silver, not gold | Silver only |
A piece stamped 14K GF is gold-filled, not 14K gold. The karat describes only the thin outer layer.
Where to find the stamp
- Rings: inside the band, often at the bottom.
- Chains and bracelets: on the clasp or the small tag next to it.
- Earrings: on the post or the back.
- Pendants: on the bail (the loop the chain passes through) or the back.
Stamps wear down over time and can be hard to read. Your phone’s camera zoom or a 10x jeweler’s loupe helps.
Other marks you may see
Next to the karat you may find a maker’s mark (initials or a logo), a country mark, or, on European pieces, official assay office hallmarks. A stamp is a claim, not a guarantee: a jeweler can test the metal in a few minutes if you are unsure.
TipOnce you know the karat, weigh the piece and enter both in our gold calculator to see what the gold in it is worth today.
Common questions
What does 750 mean on gold?
750 means 75% pure gold, which is 18 karat.
What does 417 mean on gold?
417 means 41.7% pure gold, which is 10 karat, the lowest karat that can be sold as gold in the US.
Is 585 gold real gold?
Yes. 585 is solid 14K gold, 58.5% pure gold mixed with other metals for strength and color.
What does 14K GF mean?
Gold-filled: a layer of 14K gold bonded over a base metal. It is not solid gold and has only a small gold value.
What if my jewelry has no stamp?
Older, handmade or resized pieces sometimes have no stamp, or it has worn away. A jeweler can test the metal, usually in minutes and often for free.
Is 916 gold 22K?
Yes. 916 means 91.6% pure gold, which is 22 karat, common in Indian and Middle Eastern jewelry and in many gold coins.
Sources
Last updated October 23, 2026. This guide is general information to help you get your bearings; every policy and every piece is different. If something here doesn’t fit your situation, your insurer, agent or a qualified appraiser can tell you more.
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