The short version: Karats measure gold out of 24 parts: 14k is 14/24, or 58.3% gold. Silver is marked in parts per thousand: 925 is 92.5% silver.
Pure gold and silver are soft, so most jewelry and many coins are alloys, mixed with other metals for strength. Purity tells you how much of the piece is the precious metal.
Gold karats
| Karat | Gold content | Common stamp |
|---|---|---|
| 10k | 41.7% | 10K, 417 |
| 14k | 58.3% | 14K, 583, 585 |
| 18k | 75.0% | 18K, 750 |
| 22k | 91.7% | 22K, 916, 917 |
| 24k | 99.9% or more | 24K, 999, 9999 |
Silver purity
- Fine silver (999): most silver bullion coins and bars.
- Sterling silver (925): most silver jewelry and flatware. 92.5% silver.
- 90% silver: US dimes, quarters and half dollars dated 1964 and earlier. $1 in face value of these coins contains about 0.715 troy ounces of silver.
Stamps that do not mean solid gold or silver
“GF” (gold filled), “GP” or “GEP” (gold plated), “HGE” (heavy gold electroplate) and “EP” or “silver plate” all mean a thin layer over another metal. A plated piece has little metal value. Stamps can also be worn or wrong, which is why we test everything. See How we test your gold and silver.
Questions about your pieces?
Call or text (702) 725-4344, email support@dg-exchange.com, or send us a message.