What Do the Numbers Stamped on My Jewellery Mean? Hallmarks Explained

If you have ever looked closely at a ring, chain, or bangle, you have probably noticed tiny numbers stamped somewhere on the piece. These numbers are called hallmarks, and they tell you exactly what your jewellery is made of.

Understanding hallmarks is the single most useful thing you can do before selling your gold or silver. Once you know what the numbers mean, you can get a rough idea of value before you even speak to a buyer.

Gold Hallmarks

Gold hallmarks indicate the purity of the gold, expressed as parts per thousand. The most common gold hallmarks you will find on jewellery in New Zealand are:

375 means 9 carat gold. This is 37.5% pure gold and is the most common gold purity in New Zealand and Australian jewellery. It is durable and affordable, which is why it has been so popular here for decades.

585 means 14 carat gold. This is 58.5% pure gold and is common in European and American jewellery. It has a richer yellow colour than 9ct and is becoming more popular in New Zealand.

750 means 18 carat gold. This is 75% pure gold and has a distinctly rich, warm colour. It is common in high-end jewellery and engagement rings.

916 or 917 means 22 carat gold. This is 91.6% pure gold and is common in Middle Eastern and Asian jewellery. It is softer than lower carats because there is less alloy mixed in.

999 means 24 carat gold, which is essentially pure gold. This is rare in jewellery because it is too soft for everyday wear, but you will see it on gold bullion bars and some coins.

Silver Hallmarks

Silver hallmarks work the same way. The most common ones are:

925 means sterling silver. This is 92.5% pure silver and is the standard for silver jewellery and quality silverware worldwide. If your silverware, jewellery, or ornaments are stamped 925, they are genuine sterling silver.

800 means 80% pure silver. This is common in older European silverware, particularly from continental Europe.

950 means 95% pure silver, sometimes called Britannia silver. This is rarer but occasionally found on high-quality pieces.

EPNS stands for Electroplated Nickel Silver. This is not solid silver. It is a base metal coated with a thin layer of silver. EPNS items have very little precious metal value, unfortunately.

Other Marks You Might See

You might also see letters or symbols alongside the numbers. Common ones include:

GF or GP means gold filled or gold plated. These items have a thin layer of gold over a base metal and are not solid gold. They have very little precious metal value.

A crown or lion stamp is common on British-made items and indicates the piece was assayed (officially tested) in the United Kingdom.

Maker's marks are initials or symbols that identify who made the piece. These do not affect the metal value but can sometimes indicate collectible value.

Where to Find the Hallmark

Hallmarks are usually stamped in a discreet location. On rings, check the inside of the band. On chains and bracelets, look near the clasp. On silverware, check the back or underside. A magnifying glass helps, as the stamps can be very small.

If you cannot find a hallmark, it does not necessarily mean the piece is not gold or silver. Some older items, handmade pieces, or items from certain countries may not be hallmarked. Professional testing can determine the metal content regardless.

What This Means for Selling

Knowing your hallmark gives you a head start when selling. A 750 (18ct) gold ring is worth exactly twice as much per gram as a 375 (9ct) ring, because it contains twice as much pure gold. A 925 sterling silver teapot has genuine value, while an EPNS one does not.

When you bring your items to us, we verify the hallmark with professional testing equipment. But knowing what to look for yourself means you can sort through your jewellery box at home and identify the pieces most likely to have value.

If you have items you would like assessed, get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. We come to you anywhere in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.