The numbers stamped on your jewellery are hallmarks - they indicate the purity of the metal. 375 means 9ct gold (37.5% pure). 585 means 14ct gold (58.5% pure). 750 means 18ct gold (75% pure). 925 means sterling silver (92.5% pure). Knowing your hallmark tells you exactly how much precious metal is in your piece and gives you a baseline for its value.
What does 375 stamped on jewellery mean?
375 means 9 carat gold - the piece is 37.5% pure gold. This is the most common gold purity in New Zealand and Australian jewellery. It is durable and affordable, which is why it has been the standard here for decades. Most everyday rings, chains, and bracelets sold in NZ are 9ct.
A 375 stamp is the same as 9ct. If you see it on a ring or chain, you have solid gold - just not high purity gold.
What does 585 stamped on jewellery mean?
585 means 14 carat gold - 58.5% pure gold. It is common in European and American jewellery and has a richer yellow colour than 9ct. A 585 piece contains considerably more pure gold per gram than a 375 piece, so it is worth roughly 56% more per gram.
What does 750 stamped on jewellery mean?
750 means 18 carat gold - 75% pure gold. This is high-quality gold with a distinctly warm, rich colour. It is common in engagement rings, fine jewellery, and European pieces. An 18ct piece contains exactly double the pure gold of a 9ct piece of the same weight, making it worth twice as much per gram.
What does 925 stamped on jewellery or silverware mean?
925 means sterling silver - 92.5% pure silver. This is the global standard for silver jewellery and quality silverware. If your cutlery set, teapot, bracelet, or ring is stamped 925, it is genuine sterling silver with real precious metal value.
You may also see the word 'sterling' or a lion passant mark (common on British-made pieces) - these mean the same thing.
What do other hallmarks like 916, 999, 800, or EPNS mean?
916 or 917 means 22 carat gold (91.6% pure) - common in Middle Eastern and Asian jewellery. 999 means 24 carat, essentially pure gold, seen on bullion bars and some coins.
800 means 80% pure silver, common in older continental European silverware. 950 means 95% pure silver (Britannia silver), rarer but occasionally found on quality pieces.
EPNS stands for Electroplated Nickel Silver - this is not solid silver. It is a base metal with a thin silver coating and has very little precious metal value.
What do GP, GF, or plated marks mean on jewellery?
GP means gold plated and GF means gold filled. Both indicate a base metal with a thin layer of gold applied to the surface. These items are not solid gold and have very little precious metal value regardless of how gold-coloured they look.
If you cannot find a hallmark, it does not necessarily mean the piece has no value. Some older, handmade, or imported pieces may not be hallmarked. Professional testing can determine the metal content regardless.
How do hallmarks affect what my jewellery is worth?
Hallmarks directly determine value. A 750 (18ct) ring is worth exactly twice as much per gram as a 375 (9ct) ring because it contains twice the pure gold. A 925 sterling silver teapot has real value; an EPNS one does not.
Knowing your hallmark before approaching a buyer means you can verify that any offer makes sense. We always test and confirm the hallmark with professional equipment in front of you, and explain exactly how it affects the price. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation assessment – we come to you anywhere in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, or you can come to us.
Find Out What Your Items Are Worth
We offer free, no-obligation assessments anywhere in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty. Same-day bank transfer if you accept.
