What Does 585 Mean on Gold?
Stamps describe metal content; they are not a buy/sell quote. When in doubt, test with a jeweler or assay service.
58.5% pure gold — most common in the US
The stamp tells you purity; the scale tells you weight. With those two inputs, you can benchmark melt before you accept any offer.
Common confusion points
- Stamps can be partial or mirrored; a worn punch can turn a 585 into something that looks like 588 or 535.
- Some pieces combine parts (e.g., clasp vs chain) with different karats—test more than one spot if value is high.
Similar / easily-confused stamps
This stamp corresponds to 14K — about 58.5% gold content by weight.
Common in: USA, Germany, Eastern Europe. Typical items: Engagement rings, Wedding bands, Everyday jewelry.
This fineness shows up often in pieces sold for or imported from USA, Germany, Eastern Europe—always match the stamp to what you actually weigh.
Illustrative: at the USD spot used on this site, 10 g of 14K gold has a rough melt around $845.70 (not an offer).
Verification tips
- XRF is the quickest non-destructive test; acid tests are common but depend on operator skill.
- If the piece is plated, you may see marks like GP, GF, HGE—those are not solid-gold fineness stamps.
- Look in high-wear areas (inside rings, near clasps). Worn stamps can be incomplete or misread.
Where you'll see the 585 stamp
Check inside ring shanks, near necklace and bracelet clasps, on earring posts or backs, and on small tags. Stamps can be tiny—use bright light or a loupe if the punch is worn.
Gold Value Calculator
Adjust this price to project a future value. 24K per troy oz.
Total gold value$845.70
Current 14K price • $84.57/gram • $2630.42/oz
Formula: weight × karat multiplier × spot price. 14K = 0.585, 18K = 0.75, 10K = 0.417.
Same USD spot basis as the estimates on this page. Adjust weight, unit, or karat to explore scenarios.
585 gold — melt by weight (USD, reference)
Same spot basis as the calculator above. Full metal value only—not stones or labor.
How to verify a stamp
Stamps can wear down or be wrong. A jeweler can do an acid scratch test or XRF; a magnet won't stick to solid gold, but it isn't proof of purity on its own. For high-value pieces, use a buyer you trust or an independent assay.
Related links
FAQ
- What does 585 mean on gold?
- 585 is a fineness stamp. For gold jewelry it means 14K (58.5% gold content in the alloy). 58.5% pure gold — most common in the US
- Is 585 the same as 14K?
- Yes—585 on gold corresponds to 14K purity. Regional stamping styles differ, but the gold fraction is the same idea.
- Is 585 always a gold stamp?
- Not always. Stamps can be worn, incomplete, or misapplied, and counterfeit marks exist. If value is significant, confirm with a jeweler (XRF) or a trusted buyer before you sell.