What Do the Stamped Numbers Mean?

If you have ever looked at your jewelry, you have probably noticed numbers stamped near a clasp, inside of a ring, or the post of earrings. What do they mean? The National Stamping Act of 1906 required gold and silver jewelry to be stamped with the quality and makers mark on any jewelry sold in the United States, in order to protect consumers from deceptive practices.  The quality mark is what the metal is made out of and can come in a couple forms. 

These rings would all be stamped either 14k, 14kt, or 585 because they are 14kt gold!

·       925: This mark denotes it is made of sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, mostly copper. While the piece may be yellow or rose in color, the 925 proves it is sterling silver and just has a yellow or rose color plating.

·       10k or 10kt or 417: 10kt gold is 41.7% gold content with the rest being other metals. If you piece is white or rose colored, the gold content is still the same, but the other alloys include metals that are that other color.

·       14k or 14kt or 585: 14kt gold is 58.5% gold content with the rest being other metals. If you piece is white or rose colored, the gold content is still the same, but the other alloys include metals that are that other color.

·       18k or 18kt or 750: 18kt gold is 75% gold content with the rest being other metals. If you piece is white or rose colored, the gold content is still the same, but the other alloys include metals that are that other color.

·       24k: 24kt gold is 99.99% gold content with the rest being other metals. There isn’t enough of the other metals to make it a different color than yellow, and besides, if you are getting 24kt, you are wanting that rich, warm yellow!

·       950Pt or 950Plat or 900Pt or 900Plat or 850Pt or 850Plat: The number in the beginning denotes the percentage of platinum with the rest being other alloys. If the platinum content is between 50% and 85%, the other metal alloy must be disclosed. For example, “600Pt 350Irid” to mean 60% platinum and 35% iridium.  When the platinum content is below 50%, a piece cannot be marked or described as platinum. 

I would love to help you with jewelry this holiday season! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 28 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment