Gold Purity & Hallmark Guide
How We Identify and Verify Gold Jewelry
I hope this guide helps you better understand how we identify and verify gold jewelry. If you still have questions or just want someone to take a look, feel free to give me a call — my name is Dave, and I’m always happy to help.
When people consider selling gold jewelry, one of the most common questions we hear is, “How do you know my jewelry is real gold?” This guide exists to answer that question — not to help you calculate value, but to explain how we identify, verify, and explain gold purity clearly and honestly.
If you’re unsure what the markings on your jewelry mean, or whether an unmarked piece is gold at all, this page will give you helpful context. When you’re ready, Dave is always happy to review your jewelry in person and walk you through everything step by step.
What Are Gold Hallmarks?
Gold hallmarks are small stamps found on many pieces of jewelry. These markings help identify the gold content and are one of the first things we look for during an evaluation.
Common hallmarks you may see include:
- 10K
- 14K
- 18K
- 22K
- 24K
You may also see variations such as “585,” “750,” or “417,” which are alternate ways of expressing gold purity. Not every genuine gold piece is stamped, especially older or custom jewelry, so hallmarks are helpful — but they are not the only way gold is identified.
What Gold Karats Mean
Karats describe how much pure gold is present in a piece of jewelry. Higher karat numbers indicate a higher proportion of gold, but all common karat levels are worth evaluating.
- 10K, 14K, and 18K gold are very common in jewelry
- Lower karat does not mean a piece has no value
- Karat is just one part of a complete evaluation
Rather than relying on a stamp alone, we verify purity so you can feel confident the information is accurate.
How We Verify Gold Jewelry
When you visit us, gold jewelry is evaluated in front of you, with each step explained clearly.
Our process may include:
- Inspecting hallmarks and markings
- Testing when markings are unclear or absent
- Confirming gold content accurately and professionally
We don’t expect you to know what every stamp means — that’s our job. The goal is transparency, not pressure.
Does Gold Color Affect Value?
Gold jewelry comes in several colors, most commonly:
- 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
Color alone does not determine value. The gold content (karat) matters far more than whether a piece is white, yellow, or rose. If you’re unsure what type of gold you have, we’re happy to explain it during your visit.
What If My Jewelry Has No Markings?
It’s very common for gold jewelry to have worn, missing, or unclear stamps — especially older pieces or inherited items. Jewelry without markings can still be real gold.
That’s why we verify gold content rather than relying solely on stamps. If you’re unsure, the best next step is a simple in-person evaluation.
A Note on Value and Next Steps
This guide is meant to help you understand how gold jewelry is identified, not to estimate value or pricing. Every piece is different, and the most accurate way to understand your jewelry is to have it reviewed in person.
If you’re thinking about selling gold jewelry, Dave and his team will take the time to:
- Explain what you have
- Answer your questions
- Walk you through the evaluation clearly and respectfully
You’re never obligated to sell.
Ready to Have Your Gold Jewelry Reviewed?
If you’d like to move forward, you can:
- Visit us in person for a private evaluation
- Call with questions before coming in
- Return to our We Buy Gold Jewelry page to learn more about the process
We’re here to help you feel informed and comfortable — whether you’re just curious or ready to sell.