Karat measures how much of your piece is actually gold. Knowing how to read the stamp tells you most of what you need before you ever reach a counter.
Karat is measured in parts out of 24. Pure gold is 24 karat. A 14k piece is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, which works out to 58.3 percent gold. Those other metals are not filler. Pure gold is soft, so alloying is what makes jewelry durable enough to wear.
| Karat | Gold content | Stamp | Typically seen on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10k | 41.7 percent | 417 | Class rings, budget jewelry |
| 14k | 58.3 percent | 585 | Most US jewelry |
| 18k | 75.0 percent | 750 | Fine and designer jewelry |
| 22k | 91.7 percent | 916 | South Asian and Middle Eastern jewelry |
| 24k | 99.9 percent | 999 | Bullion, bars, coins |
Hallmarks are small and are usually tucked somewhere out of sight. Check the inside of a ring band, the clasp or the tag near the clasp on a chain, the post or the back on earrings, and the inside of the case back on a watch. A magnifier helps. On a worn piece the stamp may have rubbed away entirely, which does not mean the piece is not gold. It only means it has to be tested.
This is the distinction that matters most for value. Watch for these marks:
Plated and filled items contain very little recoverable gold and are generally not worth selling for metal. Vermeil is the exception worth checking, because the sterling silver underneath has real value.
We confirm karat with acid testing or an electronic tester, and we do it in front of you. A stamp is a claim, not proof, and unstamped pieces are frequently solid gold. Testing settles it either way.
Once you know the karat, you can work out the value.
No appointment needed. We evaluate in front of you and pay the same day.