Learn How to Read Stamps on Gold Chains
Nov 9, 2022
{
"Title": "How to Read and Understand Stamps on Gold Chains (10K, 14K, 18K, and More)",
"Date": "11/09/22",
"Content": "
Practical Guide for Identifying Gold Stamps on Jewelry
\n\n
Many people inherit or discover old chains, broken necklaces, or jewelry they no longer wear. To understand their value, the first step is learning how to read the small stamps found on gold chains. These marks—called karat stamps or hallmarks—tell you a lot about the gold's purity and, ultimately, how much it might be worth if you decide to sell.
\n\n
Why Gold Chains Have Stamps
\n
Gold jewelry is rarely pure gold because 24-karat gold is too soft for everyday wear. Instead, it is mixed with stronger metals like copper, silver, or zinc. To clearly indicate the proportion of pure gold, jewelers mark chains with a karat stamp or a millesimal fineness number. These stamps are a fast way to identify the gold content of an item.
\n\n
Common Karat Stamps Explained
\n
Below are the most common stamps you are likely to see on gold chains:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Stamp | Purity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
10K | 41.7% gold | Durable, often used in U.S. jewelry. |
14K | 58.3% gold | Most popular balance of strength and purity. |
18K | 75% gold | Rich color, softer, higher value. |
22K | 91.6% gold | Common in some Asian jewelry, softer in wear. |
24K | 99.9% gold | Essentially pure gold, less common for chains. |
\n\n
Other Marks You Might See
\n
\n
585: Another way of writing 14K (58.5% gold).
\n
750: Indicates 18K (75% gold).
\n
417: Means 10K (41.7% gold).
\n
Hallmarks: In some countries, small official symbols are stamped alongside karat numbers as a form of guarantee.
\n
Plated marks: Terms like \"GP\" (gold plated) or \"HGE\" (heavy gold electroplate) indicate a gold coating over a base metal. These are not solid gold.
\n
\n\n
How to Locate and Read the Stamp
\n
Stamps on chains are small and often placed near the clasp, on a tiny rectangular tag or directly stamped into the clasp mechanism. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe for better visibility. Good lighting also helps.
\n\n
What Stamps Mean for Value
\n
The karat stamp tells you the purity, but not the weight. Both purity and weight influence value:
\n
\n
10K gold is less valuable than 14K or 18K for the same weight.
\n
If your chain is hollow or plated, its melt value is lower.
\n
The best way to calculate an estimate is to weigh the chain in grams and multiply by the percentage of gold purity.
\n
\n\n
Step-by-Step Guidance: Identifying Your Gold Chain
\n
\n
Check for a stamp: Look near the clasp first.
\n
Write it down: Record whether it says 10K, 14K, 18K, or a millesimal number like 585.
\n
Confirm with a magnet test: Real gold is not magnetic, but this is only a quick check—some base metals used in fake gold are also not magnetic.
\n
Weigh your chain: Use a pocket scale measuring in grams. For accurate reference on weights and scales, see NIST resources.
\n
Save your notes: Include stamps, weight, and observations. This record avoids guesswork if you later request a quote.
\n
\n\n
Saving Stamp Notes Before Requesting Quotes
\n
When you contact a professional gold buyer, having your notes ready saves time and prevents mistakes. Record each chain separately and note down:
\n
\n
Karat stamp (e.g., 14K)
\n
Weight in grams
\n
Any additional notes, such as damage, stones, or unusual marks
\n
\n
These notes can be kept in a notebook, a spreadsheet, or digital record-keeping tool like GavelBase if you prefer a structured system.
\n\n
Testing Beyond the Stamp
\n
Sometimes stamps are missing, worn off, or misleading on fake chains. In those cases, professional testing may include:
\n
\n
Acid test kits: Different acids react with different purities.
\n
Electronic testers: Measure conductivity and composition.
\n
Magnet tests and density checks: Provide additional confirmation.
\n
\n
If you are selling, expect the buyer to run at least one of these tests before making an offer. This ensures both parties agree on the chain’s true content.
\n\n
Preparing to Sell Your Gold Chain
\n
Once you have identified and recorded the stamp, you can prepare a chain for safe shipment if you choose a mail-in option:
\n
\n
Secure packing: Place the chain in a small sealed bag.
\n
Use insured shipping: USPS Registered Mail provides high insurance options (USPS insurance info).
\n
Track your package: Always keep your receipt and tracking number.
\n
\n
Companies like International Gold & Silver send out free appraisal kits with prepaid, insured mailers. When your package arrives, they check the stamps, test the items carefully, and send easy-to-understand results before payment.
\n\n
Payment Options Once Your Chain is Accepted
\n
If you choose to sell after receiving your appraisal, you may select from different payment methods:
\n
\n
PayPal: Fast but may involve small fees.
\n
Venmo: Quick transfer to linked bank accounts.
\n
Zelle: Direct-to-bank payments with no extra fees in most cases.
\n
Cash App: Simple for personal transfers, speeds may vary.
\n
ACH bank transfer: Often used for larger amounts, directly into account.
\n
Paper check: Slower but tangible and traceable through banks.
\n
\n\n
Quick Checklist
\n
\n
Find the stamp on your gold chain (check clasp).
\n
Record whether it says 10K, 14K, 18K, or another purity stamp.
\n
Weigh the chain in grams.
\n
Note condition and any gemstones or extra features.
\n
Keep your notes safe for later quotes and offers.
\n
\n\n
FAQs
\n
What if my chain has no stamp?
In that case, professional testing is the next step. Many older or custom pieces lack proper marks.
\n\n
Are plated chains worth anything?
Plated items usually contain too little gold to be valuable. The stamp \"GP\" or \"HGE\" signals plating.
\n\n
Can a stamp be fake?
Yes, unfortunately some counterfeit items include fake stamps. Testing can confirm if the chain is genuine gold.
\n\n
Does heavier always mean more valuable?
Weight matters, but purity is equally important. A heavy 10K chain may still be worth less than a lighter but purer 18K chain.
\n\n
Should I remove gemstones before mailing?
Do not attempt to remove stones unless you have experience. Professional buyers can assess stones separately or adjust their offer accordingly.
\n\n
Key Takeaway
\n
Learning to read stamps on gold chains is an essential first step for anyone considering selling unwanted