Over the past 40+ years, we’ve seen just about every kind of gold item walk through our doors—heirloom jewelry, broken chains, gold coins, and even dental gold. One of the first things we check during every evaluation is a small but important detail: the purity stamp, also called a hallmark.

These tiny markings help us determine how much pure gold your item contains. That detail plays a big role in how much we can offer you. Whether you’re planning to sell your gold or just curious about what those numbers mean, this guide will help you understand exactly what you have.

What Does Gold Purity Mean?

In simple terms, gold purity refers to how much of the item is made of real gold. Because pure gold is soft and easily damaged, manufacturers mix it with other metals—such as copper, silver, or zinc—to strengthen it. As a result, most gold jewelry contains a blend of metals.

The karat rating tells us the percentage of gold in that mix. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 24k = 99.9% pure gold
• 22k = 91.6% pure
• 18k = 75% pure
• 14k = 58.3% pure
• 10k = 41.7% pure (the minimum required to be considered “gold” in the U.S.)

We often see 14k and 18k gold in fine jewelry like engagement rings and chains. On the other hand, 10k is more common in durable, everyday items like class rings.

Understanding the Stamps on Your Gold

You can often find a small stamp inside a ring band or near a clasp. That number tells us the gold’s purity level. These hallmarks are the first thing we check when evaluating your gold.

Here’s a quick chart to help you understand the most common markings:

Stamp	Meaning
24k / 999	99.9% pure gold
22k / 916	91.6% pure
18k / 750	75% pure
14k / 585	58.3% pure
10k / 417	41.7% pure

In addition, you might see:

• GF or GP – These mean gold-filled or gold-plated, which contain less gold than solid pieces.
• “Plumb” (P) – This indicates the karat is precise, not rounded.
• International stamps – Some jewelry uses 3-digit numbers like “750” for 18k or “585” for 14k.

We check all of this as part of your free evaluation, and we walk you through what each mark means.

What If My Gold Has No Stamp?

Not all gold items have hallmarks, especially vintage or custom-made pieces. If your item doesn’t have a stamp, don’t worry. We use professional tests right in front of you to determine what it’s made of. For example, we use acid tests, magnet tests (since gold isn’t magnetic), and electronic testing tools to confirm the karat level.

By the end of the evaluation, you’ll know exactly what you have—even if the gold didn’t come with a stamp.

How Gold Purity Affects Your Offer

Gold purity has a direct impact on your payout. Higher-karat gold contains more actual gold, so it’s usually worth more per gram. However, your total payout also depends on a few other factors:

• The overall weight of your item
• The current market price of gold
• The condition and design
• Designer or brand name recognition

Because of this, we take the time to weigh, test, and review each piece carefully. Then we explain our offer clearly so you know exactly how we reached that number.

What About White Gold or Rose Gold?

We get a lot of questions about white and rose gold. Good news—these are real gold, just mixed with different metals to create their color.

• White gold includes nickel, palladium, or zinc to give it a silver tone
• Rose gold uses copper for that reddish-pink finish
• Green gold includes silver to produce a light green hue

These color variations don’t reduce the gold’s value. A 14k rose gold ring has the same gold content as a 14k yellow gold ring.

Not Sure What You Have? Let’s Find Out Together

Many people walk through our doors unsure if their items are real gold—or what they’re worth. That’s exactly why we’re here. We’ll weigh your gold, test the purity, explain every step, and give you a fair cash offer if you choose to sell.

You’re never pressured to sell. But if you do, you’ll walk away with cash in hand and complete confidence in the process.

📍 Visit us in Newton or Uxbridge
📞 Or give us a call—we’re happy to answer any questions before you stop by.

We buy gold in all forms—jewelry, coins, watches, and scrap gold and silver. Let’s find out what yours is worth.