The number 583 on jewelry signifies it is 14 karat (14K) gold, meaning it contains 58.3% pure gold, expressed in parts per thousand, a common European standard often seen on vintage or Soviet-era pieces, sometimes alongside other markings like city/maker's marks, and is often interchangeable with 585.
10K or 417 = 10 karat gold. 14K or 583 = 14 karat gold. 18K or 750 = 18 karat gold. 950 = platinum.
You probably already know that the more karats a gold piece has, the more valuable it is. The number of karats refers to the portion of the piece that is pure gold, with 100% pure gold being 24 karats. This means that a 14 karat piece would be 58.3% pure gold, since 14 divided by 24 is . 583.
Strictly speaking, 14 carat should be 583 (14/24 = . 583333), but most manufacturers have adopted the European practice of making 14 carat gold slightly over 14 carat. Thus, the fineness mark is 585 in most 14 carat gold jewellery. Similarly, 24 carat should be 1.0 (24/24 = 1.00).
585 gold is the same as 14 karat (14K) gold. The figure 585 comes out of rounding up 583 to 585. Thus, the figure used for grading gold this way is 585 instead of 583. Grading based in part per one thousand (PPM) is typically used for jewelry destined for the European and Asian markets.
Some shoppers prefer the most pure alloy available that still gives them the durability they need for everyday wear. Often, that purity is 18K for high-end fine jewelry, which is 75% pure gold. A very popular jewelry standard is 14K gold at 58.3% pure and has the hardness to stand up well to daily wear and tear.
10K gold is the least pure, least expensive, yet most durable, form of gold used widely in jewelry today. With its 41.7% gold purity, it's the most impure gold available on the market that can still legally be called “gold” in the US and most other countries.
The hallmark "test" isn't really a test at all. All reputable jewelers must include the gold hallmark on the pieces they market as gold. Finding a hallmark on your piece is your best assurance that it is made with real gold.
535 or 53.5% gold, while most 14k alloys are . 585 or 58.5% gold. Also the stamp of 14K means the same as 14kt. I hope this helps, and reassures you that your earrings are 14K gold. see more.
UNITED ALLOY # 583 is designed for 18K White Gold, which produces an Ultra White Color.
A “585” stamp on jewelry indicates it's made of 14-karat gold, offering a balance of purity and durability. 585 means 58.5% pure gold, with the rest made up of alloy metals for strength. Common in the U.S. and Europe, it's a popular choice for everyday wear.
14 karat gold – 583 (sometimes marked as 585) 18 karat gold – 750. 22 karat gold – 916 (sometimes marked as 917). Normally, 22K gold is too soft to use in much jewelry, but it's often used for gold leaf or plating.
If you're unsure whether a piece is genuine, here are a few reliable methods: Check the Stamp: Look for “585,” “14K,” or “AU585” . Fake gold may lack a proper hallmark or have an inconsistent stamp. Acid Test: A professional jeweler can perform an acid test to confirm the gold's purity.
Float Testing
Carefully place the gold piece into a bowl or cup of water. Genuine gold will settle to the base of the cup. If it is not real, it will rise to the top of the cup or remain motionless in the middle. Because of its high density, gold will quickly settle to the bottom of any water container.
As of early January 2026, the 1 gram 24-carat gold rate fluctuates by location, with examples showing around $145.53 USD (APMEX), approximately £99.15 GBP (Gold Traders UK), and roughly $228.50 AUD in Australia (Goodreturns), but prices vary between bullion dealers for both buying and selling, with 24k gold granules selling for ~$265 AUD from some suppliers.
750 Gold: A look at the purity
This alloy is slightly purer than 585 gold and therefore usually has a more intense golden color. Due to its higher gold content, 750 gold is generally slightly more expensive than 585 gold. It is often used in high-quality jewelry intended for special occasions.
This is the paragon of gold purity and the most intrinsically valuable gold metal. However, 24-karat gold is also the softest and most malleable form of gold, making it more susceptible to damage than lower-karat gold alloys. As a result, it is not commonly used in jewelry making.
A Common Standard in Gold Jewellery Manufacturing
Gold is highly malleable in its purest form, which is why it is mixed with other metals like zinc, nickel and other alloys to increase its durability and strength. 999 is the purest form of gold, meaning it has 99.9% gold whereas 916 has 91.6% gold.