What do the markings on my jewellery mean?
This is a quality mark and refers to the proportion of pure gold in the item.
Pure gold, which is 24ct, the metric equivalent being 1000, is generally considered too soft for practical uses in jewellery and is alloyed with other precious and base metals to increase its durability.
Some of the common markings found on jewellery, with their metric equivalents, are:
22ct or 916
18ct or 750
14ct or 585
9ct or 375
Some other precious metal markings on jewellery are:
Silver – Sterling or 925
Platinum – Plat, Pt or 950
Palladium – Pal, PD or 900
Markings on jewellery items are not limited to the carat or quality mark, you may find a manufacturer’s trade mark, logo or initials on some jewellery.
