What Does 916 Mean on Gold?
Stamps describe metal content; they are not a buy/sell quote. When in doubt, test with a jeweler or assay service.
91.6% pure gold
This stamp corresponds to 22K — about 91.6% gold content by weight.
Common in: India, Southeast Asia, Middle East. Typical items: Traditional jewelry, Wedding jewelry, Coins.
This fineness shows up often in pieces sold for or imported from India, Southeast Asia, Middle East—always match the stamp to what you actually weigh.
Illustrative: at the USD spot used on this site, 10 g of 22K gold has a rough melt around $1,428.10 (not an offer).
Gold calculator
Same USD spot basis as the estimates on this page. Adjust weight, unit, or karat to explore scenarios.
Gold Value Calculator
Adjust this price to project a future value. 24K per troy oz.
916 gold — melt by weight (USD, reference)
Same spot basis as the calculator above. Full metal value only—not stones or labor.
Where you'll see the 916 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.
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.
FAQ
- What does 916 mean on gold?
- 916 is a fineness stamp. For gold jewelry it means 22K (91.6% gold content in the alloy). 91.6% pure gold
- Is 916 the same as 22K?
- Yes—916 on gold corresponds to 22K purity. Regional stamping styles differ, but the gold fraction is the same idea.