Hallmarks are used as an indication of the metal content in precious metal jewellery.
The hallmark is usually stamped into the piece. Gold and Silver in their pure form are not sufficiently durable, so they need an alloy to improve their wearing qualities. Traditionally the metals used for the alloy of Gold have been silver and copper in strengthening Silver.
Gold Hallmarks
• .999 or 999 - 99.9% gold - 24 karat
• .916 or 916 - 91.6% gold - 22 karat (917 is used too for 22 karat gold)
• .833 or 833 - 83.3% gold – 20 karat
• .750 or 750 - 75.0% gold - 18 karat (18ct 18kt 18k) European market.
• .585 or 585 - 58.5% gold - 14 karat (14kt 14k) European market.
• .417 or 417 - 41.7% gold - 10 karat (10kt 10k) United States market.
• .375 or 375 - 37.5% gold - 9 karat (9ct 9kt 9k) Australian market term is 9ct for 9 carat.
• .333 or 333 - 33.3% gold - 8 karat (minimum standard for Germany after 1884)
Silver Hallmarks
• .999 or 99.9% silver - Fine Silver or Pure Silver
• .925 or 92.5% silver - Sterling Silver
Antique Silver Hallmarks
• .917 or 91.7% silver – Antique Silver or coin silver, purity of the Silver per law n243 instituted in 1832
• .900 or 90.0% silver – U.S coins 1792 – 1964
• .835 or 83.5% silver – Standard predominantly used in Germany after 1884. Minting of coins.
• .833 or 83.3% silver – Continental Silver used especially Dutch, Swedish and Germans.
• .830 or 83.0% silver – Common standard in older Scandinavian Silver
• .800 or 80.0% silver – Minimum standard for Silver in Germany after 1884
All our jewellery is hallmarked either
750 (for 18ct 18kt Gold)
585 (for 14ct 14kt Gold)
417 (for 10ct 10kt Gold)
375 (for 9ct 9kt Gold)
999 (for Fine Silver)
925 (for Sterling Silver)
On our chains and bracelets you will find the hallmark on the clasp of the necklace or bracelet and / or
on a tag that joins the clasp to the item. This tag or plate is known as the chain tag.
Beloved Treasures stocks a range of products in different carats, depending on where we buy the item.
In Australia the most common hallmarks are 375 for 9ct Gold and 925 for Sterling Silver.
European companies do manufacture 9ct 9kt Gold jewellery for the Australian market.
