Ever wondered what those tiny numbers stamped on your jewelry mean? They’re not just random—they tell you what metal your jewelry is made of and how pure it is.
Understanding Metal Purity Markings
Most people are familiar with the karat (K) system for gold, but jewelry can also be marked with numbers like 925, 750, or 585 to indicate its metal content.
- 750 – This means the piece is 75% pure gold, which is the same as 18K gold.
- 585 – This means the piece is 58.3% pure gold, equivalent to 14K gold.
- 925 – This marking is for sterling silver, meaning it's 92.5% pure silver with a small amount of other metals (usually copper) for added strength.
What About "1/20 12K GF" or "HGE"?
You might also see markings like:
- "1/20 12K GF" – This stands for Gold Filled (GF). It means that 1/20 (or 5%) of the piece is made of 12K gold, with the rest being a base metal. Gold-filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold than gold-plated pieces, making it more durable.
- HGE (Hydro Gold Electroplate) – This means the jewelry is gold-plated using an electroplating process. It has a thin layer of gold over a base metal, which can wear off over time.
How to Test if Your Jewelry is Real Gold or Silver
If you're unsure whether your jewelry is real, here are a few ways to test it:
1. Check for Markings
Look for stamps like 925, 750, or 585—but keep in mind that markings can be faked.
2. Magnet Test
Gold and silver are non-magnetic, so if your piece sticks to a magnet, it likely contains other metals. However, some base metals used in gold-filled or plated jewelry are also non-magnetic, so this isn't a foolproof test.
3. Acid Test (Professional Method)
A jeweler can perform an acid test to determine the metal content. Different strengths of acid react differently to gold and silver, helping to confirm authenticity.
4. Scratch Test (For Gold)
Gold is a soft metal, so a professional can perform a scratch test on a testing stone and apply acid to see how the metal reacts.
5. Ice Test (For Silver)
Silver is highly conductive, so if you place an ice cube on a silver piece, it should melt much faster than on other metals.
6. Professional Appraisal
For the most accurate results, take your jewelry to a trusted jeweler for testing and valuation.
Why Does This Matter?
Knowing how to identify real gold and silver helps you make informed jewelry purchases and ensures you're getting the value you expect. Whether you're shopping for new pieces or sorting through old jewelry, these tips will help you separate the real from the plated!