Jewelry Metal Stamps: 14K, 585 & 925
Written by: AKWAYA Pearl Jewelry Team
Reviewed by: AKWAYA for consistency with published product specifications
Updated:
This guide explains listing terms and practical checks. Current specifications describe the item being offered. Our editorial approach.
A jewelry metal stamp states a metal fineness or material description. Read the full mark together with the listing: 14K refers to gold karat, while 925 is commonly used for sterling silver. A mark is information to check, not an independent assay of the piece.
What do 14K, 585 and 925 mean on jewelry?
The FTC explains karat as parts of gold out of 24 and describes sterling silver as 92.5% silver. Numerical fineness marks express parts per thousand. The percentages below explain those terms; they do not establish which mark appears on a specific product.
On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to compare all columns.
| Common wording or mark | Metal content indicated |
|---|---|
| 925 / .925 / Sterling Silver | 92.5% silver. |
| 10K / 417 | 10K is 10/24 gold, about 41.7%; 417 indicates 41.7%. |
| 14K / 583 / 585 | 14K is 14/24 gold, about 58.3%; 583 indicates 58.3%, while 585 indicates 58.5%. |
| 18K / 750 | 75% gold. |
| 22K / 916 / 917 | 22K is about 91.7% gold; numerical marks indicate 91.6% or 91.7%. |
| 24K / 999 | 24K describes pure gold; 999 indicates 99.9% gold. |
| 900 Platinum | 90% platinum. |
| 950 Platinum | 95% platinum. |
How to check a metal mark in an online listing
- Record the complete wording. Keep letters, numbers and any plating qualifier together. A shortened search title may omit details that appear in the full specification.
- Identify the component. Ask whether the mark or metal description applies to a clasp, bail, setting, post or ear wire. Do not assume that every separate metal part has been described.
- Look for a readable detail view. Check the gallery for the relevant component. If no mark is shown, request a close-up rather than guessing from color.
- Compare it with the selected option. If the product offers different metals or lengths, confirm which option the photograph represents.
- Resolve any difference. Send the product link and the exact wording you want clarified before ordering.
Read the listing without assuming an unseen stamp
- 7–7.5mm dyed-black Akoya pearl pendant in 14K yellow gold: the existing specification lists 14K yellow gold (585). It is pendant only; no chain is included. Ask for a detail photo if you need to see the mark on the actual setting.
- 12–13mm white freshwater pearl pendant in sterling silver: the material is listed as sterling silver and the purity field as 925. That does not by itself show the location or appearance of a physical stamp.
- 7–7.5mm dyed-black Akoya pearl studs in 14K white gold: the listing states 14K white gold. Do not assign a particular numerical stamp unless it is confirmed for the earrings.
Does a stamp identify the pearl or include a chain?
A metal mark does not describe pearl type, size, color treatment or seller grade. It also does not establish the contents of a pendant purchase. Read those details separately in the product specification and the selected option.
If you need a physical marking confirmed, contact AKWAYA with the listing and the component you want to see. Use the jewelry metal types guide to compare materials, finishes and components.
Karat and carat are different terms
In this guide, K or kt refers to gold fineness. Carat (ct) is a gemstone-weight unit; it is not the same measure as gold karat or pearl size in millimeters. For pearl measurements, use our pearl size-range guide.
Source and scope
FTC — Buying Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry supports the general material terminology. The numerical conversions explain the displayed fineness values. AKWAYA supplies the shopping checklist and listing examples; this guide is not a laboratory metal test.