Flip over a ring or check the clasp of a necklace and you’ll usually find tiny markings — 14K, 585, 925, GF, or a symbol you can’t quite place. Those stamps tell you a lot about what your piece is made of and what it might be worth. Before you search “sell gold near me,” it helps to understand what you’re holding. Here’s a simple guide to reading the markings on your gold and silver.
Gold Karat Marks: 10K, 14K, 18K, 24K
Karat marks tell you how much of the metal is actually gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, but it’s too soft for everyday jewelry, so most pieces are an alloy:
- 10K = 41.7% gold — the minimum to be legally sold as gold in the U.S.
- 14K = 58.3% gold — the most common mark in American jewelry
- 18K = 75% gold — common in fine and European jewelry
- 24K = pure gold — mostly seen in bullion and some Asian jewelry
You may also see three-digit European numbers instead: 417, 585, and 750 correspond to 10K, 14K, and 18K. Higher karat means more gold content per gram — which directly affects the offer you’ll receive.
Silver Marks: 925, Sterling, and Coin Silver
- 925 or “Sterling” = 92.5% silver, the standard for quality silver jewelry and flatware.
- 800 or 900 = lower-purity silver, common in older or European pieces.
- “Coin silver” = 90% silver, found in some antique American items.
If a silver-colored piece has no marking at all, it may still be silver — or it may be stainless steel or a plated base metal. A professional test settles it in seconds.
The Marks That Mean “Plated” — GF, GP, RGP, HGE, EP
These are the abbreviations that surprise people most. GF (gold filled), GP (gold plated), RGP (rolled gold plate), HGE (heavy gold electroplate), and EP or EPNS (electroplate) all indicate a thin layer of precious metal over a base metal. Plated items generally carry little melt value, though gold-filled pieces contain slightly more gold than standard plating. Knowing this ahead of time sets realistic expectations before you bring items in.
When There’s No Stamp at All
Older jewelry, handmade pieces, and items from certain countries were often never stamped — and worn stamps can rub off entirely. An unmarked piece isn’t necessarily worthless. Professional buyers use acid testing and electronic testers to determine actual metal content regardless of markings, so it’s always worth having unmarked pieces evaluated rather than assuming.
Stamps Are a Starting Point, Not a Guarantee
Counterfeit stamps exist, especially on items purchased overseas or online. That’s why reputable buyers test every piece rather than taking a stamp at face value. At Alliance Gold & Silver, we test and weigh your items in front of you and explain exactly how we arrive at our offer, based on current market pricing — whether your pieces are stamped, unmarked, or somewhere in between.
Curious what your jewelry is really made of? Bring it by for a free, no-obligation evaluation. Alliance Gold & Silver Exchange — 2901 Western Center Blvd #120, Fort Worth, TX 76131 — 682-316-4221. Monday–Friday 10AM–6PM, Saturday 10AM–2PM.