Jewelry Hallmarks Explained: How to Identify Precious Metals and Their Purity
When shopping for fine jewelry, you may notice small markings or stamps on the inside of rings, bracelets, or necklace clasps. These hallmarks are more than just tiny engravings—they serve as an important guide to identifying the metal type, purity, and sometimes even the origin of the piece. Understanding these markings can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling jewelry.
In this guide, we’ll break down what jewelry hallmarks mean and how to identify them in gold, silver, and platinum.
What Are Jewelry Hallmarks?
A hallmark is a small, legally recognized stamp found on precious metal jewelry that indicates the metal content and sometimes the maker’s mark, country of origin, or year of production. These markings help verify authenticity and protect consumers from counterfeit or lower-quality metals.
Hallmarks are often stamped, etched, or laser-engraved onto jewelry in discreet locations, such as the inside of rings, back of pendants, or clasps of bracelets.
Gold Hallmarks: Decoding Karat Purity
Gold is often mixed with other metals to increase durability, and hallmarks indicate the purity level. The most common purity markings are measured in karats (K or KT) or parts per thousand (fineness).
Common Gold Hallmarks & Purity Levels
| Karat (K) | Fineness (‰) | Gold Purity (%) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% (Pure Gold) | Investment gold, high-end jewelry |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | Traditional jewelry (e.g., Indian gold) |
| 18K | 750 | 75% | Fine jewelry, engagement rings |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | Durable everyday jewelry |
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% | Budget-friendly jewelry, durable pieces |
Additional marks you may see on gold jewelry:
- GP / GEP / HGE – Gold-plated or electroplated (not solid gold)
- GF – Gold-filled (a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal)
- 375 / 585 / 750 – These numbers indicate the gold purity in parts per thousand, commonly used in European jewelry.
Silver Hallmarks: Sterling vs. Fine Silver
Silver jewelry also comes in different purity levels, with sterling silver being the most commonly used standard. Unlike gold, silver is rarely used in its pure form because it is too soft.
Common Silver Hallmarks & Purity Levels
| Marking | Fineness (‰) | Silver Purity (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 / Fine Silver | 999 | 99.9% | Pure silver, soft and prone to scratching |
| 925 / Sterling | 925 | 92.5% | Standard for most silver jewelry |
| 800 / Coin Silver | 800 | 80% | Used in vintage or European pieces |
Additional silver marks:
- “Sterling” / “925” – Found on high-quality silver jewelry.
- “EPNS” – Electroplated Nickel Silver (not real silver).
- “Mexican Silver” / “800” – Often seen on vintage Mexican jewelry, indicating lower silver content.
Platinum Hallmarks: Recognizing High-Value Metal
Platinum is a rare and highly durable metal used in fine jewelry. Platinum hallmarks indicate its purity level, similar to gold and silver.
Common Platinum Hallmarks & Purity Levels
| Marking | Fineness (‰) | Platinum Purity (%) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 999 | 99.9% | Pure platinum, very rare |
| 950 | 950 | 95% | Standard for most platinum jewelry |
| 900 | 900 | 90% | Still considered high purity |
| 850 | 850 | 85% | Less common, mixed with stronger alloys |
Additional platinum marks:
- "Plat" or "PT" – A general indicator of platinum content.
- "IridPlat" – A mix of platinum and iridium.
- "950 Pt" or "Pt 950" – Indicates 95% platinum purity.
How to Identify Hallmarks on Your Jewelry
If you’re unsure about the metal content of your jewelry, follow these steps:
- Use a Magnifying Glass – Hallmarks are often very small, so a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe can help.
- Check Hidden Areas – Look on the inner band of rings, the back of pendants, or the clasp of bracelets and necklaces.
- Use an Acid Test or Electronic Tester – If no hallmark is present, jewelers can test the metal to determine its composition.
- Consult a Professional – If you’re still unsure, take your jewelry to a certified jeweler for an expert opinion.
Why Hallmarks Matter
- Authenticity Verification – Ensures you’re buying genuine precious metals.
- Legal Protection – Many countries have laws requiring proper metal markings.
- Resale & Appraisal Value – Properly hallmarked jewelry retains its value better.
Final Thoughts
Jewelry hallmarks serve as an essential guide for identifying the metal type and purity of your favorite pieces. Whether you're investing in gold, silver, or platinum jewelry, understanding these tiny markings can help you make informed purchasing decisions and avoid counterfeits.
Next time you shop for fine jewelry, take a closer look at the hallmarks—you’ll gain insight into the history, value, and authenticity of your piece!