The marking "875" on jewelry signifies its gold purity, indicating that the item is 21 carat gold.
Understanding 875 Gold Purity
When a piece of jewelry is stamped with "875," it means that the gold has been tested and verified to be 87.5 per cent pure. This is equivalent to 21 parts pure gold out of 24 parts in the traditional carat system. The remaining 12.5 per cent of the item is composed of different metals, known as alloys, such as nickel, copper, or in some cases, silver. These additional metals are incorporated to enhance the gold's durability and strength, as pure 24 carat gold is very soft and susceptible to scratches and deformation.
Gold Purity Systems
Gold purity is commonly expressed using two main systems:
- Carat (Karat in the US) System: Measures the proportion of pure gold in 24 parts. For example, 24K is 100% pure gold.
- Millesimal Fineness System: Expresses purity in parts per thousand. So, 875 fineness means 875 parts out of 1000 are pure gold.
The "875" hallmark is a millesimal fineness stamp.
Comparing Gold Purity Levels
Understanding the different gold purities can help contextualize what 875 means. Here's a comparison of common gold purities:
| Millesimal Fineness | Carat (K) | Gold Purity (%) | Common Uses & Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Purest form; soft, used in bullion, coins, and some traditional jewelry. |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | Popular for traditional Indian and Asian jewelry; durable yet high purity. |
| 875 | 21K | 87.5% | Often found in Middle Eastern and certain Asian jewelry; good balance of purity and durability. |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% | Common for fine jewelry, engagement rings; highly durable and rich color. |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Most common in the US and Europe; very durable, suitable for daily wear. |
| 375 | 9K | 37.5% | Lower cost, very durable; sometimes used in costume or fashion jewelry. |
For more information on gold purity and hallmarks, you can refer to reputable sources like the International Gem Society.
Key Aspects of 21K (875) Gold
- Purity: Contains 87.5% pure gold, offering a high gold content.
- Color: Retains a vibrant, deep yellow hue, characteristic of higher purity gold.
- Durability: The 12.5% alloy content makes it significantly more robust and wear-resistant than 24K gold, while still being softer than 18K or 14K gold.
- Regional Preference: 21K gold is particularly popular in regions like the Middle East, parts of Asia, and other areas where a high gold content is culturally valued for jewelry.
In summary, an "875" marking on a piece of jewelry assures you of its significant gold content and helps you understand its value and characteristics.
