Gold jewelry is beautiful, but do you know what all those little markings actually mean? You’ve probably seen a “750” stamp on jewelry before, but might not know exactly what it means.
That “750” stamp is telling you about the purity of the gold in the piece. It indicates the gold’s fineness, or how much of the metal is actually pure gold.
This article will explain exactly what the “750” marking on jewelry means, how it relates to 18-karat gold, and how it affects the jewelry’s value and how you should care for it.
Understanding Gold Purity and Karats
Pure gold is too soft to use for most jewelry. To make it stronger, manufacturers mix it with other metals. The result is an alloy.
Jewelers measure the amount of gold in a piece using “karats.” Pure gold is 24 karats (24K). Lower karat numbers mean there’s less gold in the piece.
Another way to express gold purity is “fineness.” Fineness is usually shown as parts per thousand. For example, a piece marked “750” is 750 parts pure gold out of 1000 total parts.
What does “750” mean?
When you see “750” stamped on a piece of jewelry, it’s telling you exactly how much pure gold is in the item.
The meaning of the “750” stamp
The “750” stamp means that out of 1,000 parts of metal, 750 of those parts are pure gold. In other words, the jewelry is 75% pure gold.
The “750” marking is also the same as 18-karat gold, or 18K.
Why the “750” mark matters
The 750 mark shows the quality and value of the jewelry. It tells you that the piece has a specific amount of gold in it.
In general, the more gold that’s in a piece of jewelry, the higher its value. Because it’s 75% pure gold, 750-marked jewelry is more valuable than, say, 14K jewelry.
18 Karat Gold: What’s it made of?
If your jewelry is stamped with “750,” that means it’s made of 18-karat gold, which is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals.
Jewelers add other metals to pure gold to increase its strength and change its color. Some of the metals that are often combined with gold are silver, copper, and zinc. If you add more copper, you can get a pinkish or reddish shade called “rose gold.” Silver and palladium are added to create white gold.
18K gold is popular because it is beautiful, valuable, and durable.
How does 18K gold compare to other gold purities?
When you’re shopping for gold jewelry, you’ll probably notice that it comes in different purities. Here’s how 18K gold stacks up against other popular choices.
18K gold vs. 14K gold
Fourteen-karat gold is made up of 58.5% pure gold, which is why it’s often marked with “585.” Because it has a higher percentage of alloy metals, 14K gold tends to be more durable and resistant to scratches than 18K gold.
In general, 14K gold jewelry will be less expensive than a similar item in 18K gold.
18K gold vs. 24K gold
Twenty-four-karat gold is almost pure gold, testing at 99.9% purity. Because it’s so pure, 24K gold is very soft and can be easily scratched or dented. That makes it a poor choice for jewelry you plan to wear every day.
On the plus side, 24K gold has a very bright, almost orange-y yellow color that some people find appealing.
How to identify and care for 750 gold
To identify 750 gold, look for the “750” stamp or hallmark on the piece. The stamp should be clear and easy to read. If it’s blurry or looks altered, that could be a red flag.
Taking care of 750 gold jewelry is simple:
- Clean it regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Store each piece separately in a fabric-lined box or pouch. This keeps the jewelry from scratching itself or other items.
- For intricate or very dirty pieces, consider professional cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 750 a real gold?
Yes, 750 is a stamp that indicates real gold. It means the piece is made of 75% pure gold. The remaining 25% is made up of other metals, like silver, copper, or zinc, which are added to increase the gold’s durability and alter its color. So, when you see “750,” you’re looking at a piece containing a significant amount of genuine gold.
Can fake gold be stamped 750?
Unfortunately, yes, fake gold can be stamped with “750” or other misleading markings. While the “750” stamp should indicate genuine 18K gold, unscrupulous individuals may counterfeit the stamp to deceive buyers. It’s always best to purchase jewelry from reputable sources and have it professionally appraised if you have any doubts.
Is 750 the same as 18K?
Yes, “750” and “18K” (or 18 karat) both refer to the same gold purity. 18K gold means that 18 out of 24 parts are gold, which equates to 75% purity. So, whether you see “750” or “18K,” you’re looking at gold that is 75% pure.
Is 750 gold worth anything?
Absolutely! Because 750 gold is 75% pure gold, it has significant value. The actual worth depends on the current market price of gold, the weight of the piece, and any additional value from gemstones or craftsmanship. If you’re considering selling a piece of 750 gold jewelry, it’s a good idea to get it appraised to determine its true worth.
In Conclusion
The “750” stamp on a piece of jewelry isn’t just a random number. It’s a hallmark of quality, telling you that the item contains a significant amount of pure gold. 18-karat gold, indicated by the 750 stamp, offers a beautiful blend of value, purity, and resilience. Understanding this mark empowers you to make confident choices when investing in gold jewelry.