Decoding The 585 Stamp On Gold: 7 Critical Facts You Must Know Before Buying Or Selling
The mysterious three-digit number, 585, stamped on your gold jewelry is far more important than you might think, acting as the international key to its true value and purity. As of December 23, 2025, understanding this hallmark is essential for anyone looking to buy, sell, or simply appreciate their gold pieces, as it instantly confirms the metal's content and its standing against global standards.
The "585" hallmark is not just a random manufacturer's code; it is a globally recognized millesimal fineness mark that signifies a specific, high-quality gold alloy. This mark is your guarantee of 14-karat gold, a popular choice that expertly balances the rich color and intrinsic value of fine gold with the necessary strength and durability for everyday wear.
The Definitive Guide to 585 Gold Purity and Value
The 585 stamp is the numerical representation of your gold's purity, based on a system called millesimal fineness, which expresses the pure gold content in parts per thousand. This system is the modern, standardized way to measure purity, replacing or complementing the traditional karat system in many parts of the world, especially Europe and Asia.
Fact 1: 585 is the Exact Equivalent of 14-Karat Gold
The most crucial fact to understand is the direct conversion: 585 gold is precisely 14-karat (14K) gold. The calculation is simple and based on the 24-karat system, where 24K represents 100% pure gold.
- The Math: To get the millesimal fineness, you divide the karat number by 24 and multiply by 1,000.
- 14K Calculation: (14 / 24) * 1,000 = 583.33.
- The Standard: For simplification and to meet international hallmarking standards, this number is rounded up and standardized to 585.
This means a piece stamped 585 contains 58.5% pure gold. The remaining 41.5% is composed of various alloy metals, such as copper, silver, zinc, or nickel, which are intentionally added to enhance the metal's strength and alter its color.
Fact 2: The Alloy Content Boosts Durability and Wearability
While 24-karat gold (99.9% pure) is stunning, it is too soft and malleable for practical jewelry, making it easily susceptible to scratches, dents, and deformation. The 41.5% alloy in 585 gold is a feature, not a flaw, as it provides the necessary structural integrity.
- Durability: 14K/585 gold is significantly harder and more resistant to everyday wear and tear than 18K (750) or 22K (916) gold. This makes it an ideal choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and daily-wear items like necklaces and bracelets.
- Tarnish Resistance: Solid 585 gold is highly resistant to tarnishing, flaking, or wearing off over time, unlike gold-plated or gold-filled items.
- Color Variations: The alloy metals are what give 585 gold its distinct color varieties. Copper creates rose gold, silver and palladium create white gold, and a balanced mix maintains the classic yellow gold hue.
Fact 3: Understanding the Price and Investment Value
The value of your 585 gold is directly tied to the current spot price of pure gold, but only for the 58.5% of the material that is actual fine gold.
- Calculating Intrinsic Value: If the current market price of pure gold is, for example, $2,000 per ounce, the intrinsic gold value of one ounce of 585 gold would be 58.5% of that, or $1,170. This calculation is the foundation for both buying and selling the metal.
- Price per Gram: As of a recent date, the price for one gram of 14K (585) gold was approximately $82.17, though this figure fluctuates daily with the global market.
- Investment Perspective: While 585 gold holds significant intrinsic value, higher-purity gold like 22K (916) or 24K (999) is generally preferred for pure investment purposes (bullion), due to its lower alloy content. However, 585 gold jewelry remains a liquid asset that can be sold for its scrap gold value.
Fact 4: How 585 Compares to Other Common Gold Hallmarks
The millesimal system provides a clear, standardized way to compare different gold purities. Knowing these other common hallmarks is crucial for anyone building topical authority in the jewelry space.
| Hallmark | Karat Equivalent | Pure Gold % | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 375 | 9K | 37.5% | Most durable, lowest gold content. Common in the UK. |
| 417 | 10K | 41.7% | Minimum legal gold standard in the US. Very durable. |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Excellent balance of purity, durability, and value. |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% | Rich color, high purity, good durability. Widely used in fine jewelry. |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | Very soft and rich in color. Popular for traditional jewelry in Asia. |
The 585 hallmark is often preferred in the United States and Europe because it offers the perfect middle ground: a beautiful, rich gold color that is still strong enough to withstand decades of daily use.
Verifying the Authenticity of Your 585 Gold Stamp
While the 585 stamp is a strong indicator of quality, counterfeit markings do exist. Verifying the authenticity of the hallmark is a critical step for both buyers and sellers.
Fact 5: Look for Companion Markings (14K, AU585)
Authentic gold jewelry often features more than one identifying mark. When inspecting your piece, look closely for these companion stamps:
- 14K or 14KT: The traditional karat marking, often found alongside the millesimal number.
- AU585: The chemical symbol for gold (Au) followed by the purity number. This is a very strong confirmation of gold content.
- Maker’s Mark: A stamp identifying the manufacturer or designer, which is another layer of provenance.
A genuine hallmark should be clear, consistent, and deeply engraved, not faint or sloppy, which can be a sign of a fake or plated item.
Fact 6: The Difference Between 585 and Gold Plated
It is vital to distinguish solid 585 gold from gold-plated or gold-filled items. The 585 stamp confirms the entire piece is a gold alloy, not just a thin outer layer.
- Gold Plated (GP or GE): These items have a microscopic layer of gold over a base metal. They may be stamped with codes like "14K GP" or "14K GEP," which clearly indicate a plated finish, not solid gold.
- Gold Filled (GF): This involves a thicker layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. While more durable than plated, it is still not solid gold and will often be marked "14/20 GF."
If a piece is stamped only "585," it should be solid 14-karat gold. If you see "585" combined with "GP" or "GF," it is a fraudulent stamp and should be avoided.
Fact 7: The Final Verification Requires a Professional Test
For absolute certainty, especially when dealing with significant transactions, the only reliable method is professional testing.
- Acid Test: A jeweler or gold buyer will use a small amount of nitric acid on a tiny, inconspicuous spot on the piece. 585 gold will resist the acid that dissolves lower-purity or fake metals, confirming its purity.
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Test: This is the most accurate, non-destructive method. An XRF machine analyzes the metal composition to provide the exact percentage of gold and all alloy metals, giving a precise purity reading.
The 585 hallmark is a universal language of value and quality. Whether you are admiring a delicate chain or a substantial wedding band, this small, three-digit number guarantees you are holding a durable, beautiful piece that meets strict international gold standards and holds significant intrinsic value.
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