Karat indicates the proportion of pure gold in a gold product. Because pure gold is a soft metal, it is alloyed with metals such as silver and copper to make jewellery more durable. The hallmark on the product tells you how much gold the alloy contains.
What is millesimal fineness?
The numbers in hallmarks express the proportion in parts per thousand (millesimal fineness). For example, a 585 hallmark means that 585 parts per thousand of the product, i.e. about 58.5 percent, is pure gold.
Common karats
- 8 karat (333): The gold content is low; it is mostly found in affordable jewellery.
- 14 karat (585): It is durable and is the most common karat for rings, necklaces and everyday jewellery.
- 18 karat (750): It has a high gold content and a more vivid colour; it is often used in diamond and custom-designed pieces.
- 22 karat (916): It is used for bangles and for ornamental gold coins such as the quarter, half and full coins.
- 24 karat (995 / 999): The karat closest to pure gold; it is used for gram gold and bullion.
What else does the hallmark show?
Next to the karat hallmark there is usually also a mark identifying the manufacturer. If the hallmark is worn, illegible or appears inconsistent with the product, ask the seller for information and make sure the karat is stated on the invoice.
How can I have the karat verified?
Karat can be checked at jewellers using measuring devices and traditional methods. If you have doubts about a product, you can have it tested by a jeweller you trust, and if you find a problem, you can report it to our association via the Complaints Desk.
