What Does 585 Mean on Gold?
585 means 14K gold — 58.5% pure gold.
The stamp 585 is the European hallmark for 14 karat gold. It means 585 parts out of 1000 are pure gold (58.5%), while the remaining 415 parts are alloy metals that make jewellery stronger for daily wear.
Hallmark conversion chart
| Stamp | Karat | Pure gold | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 375 | 9K | 37.5% | Budget jewellery, UK/AU |
| 417 | 10K | 41.7% | Budget jewellery, US |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Everyday jewellery (most common) |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% | Fine jewellery, luxury |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | High-purity traditional jewellery |
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Bars and coins |
Why 585 is so common
585/14K is the global sweet spot between purity, durability, and price. Compared with 18K (750), it has less pure gold but is tougher for everyday rings, bracelets, and chains.
That is why many engagement rings and daily-wear pieces are 585/14K: it resists scratches better than higher-karat gold while still containing a significant amount of real gold.
In practical terms, if two rings weigh the same, a 750 ring has more gold and costs more. A 585 ring is usually a better value for active use and tighter budgets.
How to check if a 585 stamp is real
1) Look for extra marks
Real pieces often include a maker's mark, assay office mark, or country hallmark near 585.
2) Use basic tests
Magnet test and visual inspection can filter obvious fakes, but are not conclusive on their own.
3) Get jeweller verification
An acid test or XRF scan by a jeweller provides reliable confirmation of actual gold purity.
Frequently asked questions
What does 585 mean on gold?
585 means the item is 58.5% pure gold, which equals 14 karat (14K). The remaining 41.5% is alloy metals such as copper, silver, or zinc that improve hardness and durability.
Is 585 real gold?
Yes. 585 is real gold and is the standard hallmark for 14K jewellery in many European countries. It contains more than half pure gold and is legally classified as gold jewellery.
Is 585 the same as 14K?
Yes. 14K equals 58.5% pure gold, which is written as 585 in parts per thousand. They represent the same purity using different notation systems.
What is better, 585 or 750 gold?
750 (18K) has higher gold purity and richer colour, while 585 (14K) is harder, more scratch-resistant, and usually less expensive. 585 is often better for daily wear; 750 is often preferred for luxury pieces.