Gold hallmarks are a crucial aspect of buying and selling gold, as they provide information about the purity, origin, and year of manufacture of a gold item. However, deciphering these hallmarks can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with them. In this post, we'll explain how to decode gold hallmarks and what they mean.
Components Of A Gold Hallmark
First, it's important to understand the components of a gold hallmark. Typically, a hallmark will include a series of symbols, letters, and numbers. The symbols will vary depending on the country of origin and the specific hallmarking system used.
One of the most important pieces of information provided by a gold hallmark is the purity of the gold. This is typically indicated by a number followed by the letters "K" or "ct." For example, 14K or 18ct. This number represents the percentage of pure gold in the item. For example, 14K gold is 58.3% pure gold, while 18ct gold is 75% pure gold. Here are some common gold hallmarks you may come across:
375: This means the item is 9 carat gold, which is 37.5% pure gold.
585: This means the item is 14 carat gold, which is 58.5% pure gold.
750: This means the item is 18 carat gold, which is 75% pure gold.
916: This means the item is 22 carat gold, which is 91.6% pure gold.
990: This means the item is 24 carat gold, almost pure gold, at 99%.
999: This means the item is pure 24 carat gold, the highest standard available, at 99.9% purity.
These numbers are internationally recognised and used. However, in addition to these purity marks, you may also encounter a series of additional symbols that provide more information about the piece:
Maker's Mark: The unique symbol of the company or person that manufactured the piece.
Assay Office Mark: A symbol representing the office where the item was tested and marked. For instance, in the UK, a leopard’s head represents London, an anchor represents Birmingham, and a rose represents Sheffield.
Date Letter: A letter indicating the year the item was hallmarked.
Origin Of The Item
Another important aspect of a gold hallmark is the origin of the item. This is often indicated by a symbol or series of symbols that represent the country of manufacture. For example, a gold item made in the UK may be stamped with the symbol of one of the four UK assay offices: a leopard's head for London, a crown for Sheffield, a castle for Edinburgh, or an anchor for Birmingham.
Finally, some gold hallmarks include information about the year of manufacture. In some countries, this is indicated by a letter or series of letters, while in others it may be indicated by a number. For example, in the UK, a letter code is used to represent the year of manufacture, with "A" representing 1975 and subsequent letters representing subsequent years in alphabetical order.
Deciphering gold hallmarks can be a complex process, but understanding the basics can provide valuable information about the gold item you are buying or selling. By looking for the purity, origin, and year of manufacture, you can make informed decisions about the value and authenticity of a gold item.