What 585 means on jewellery?

When I buy or inspect a ring, I always check the tiny stamp. Seeing 585 tells me exactly how much gold is in the piece. In this short guide I’ll explain what 585 means, how it relates to 14K / Au585, how to verify it, how to care for 585 gold, and answer common questions.

Quick answer: 585 = 58.5% pure gold (14K / Au585)

585, Au585, or 585/1000 means the metal contains 58.5% pure gold by weight. That fineness corresponds to 14 karat (14K / 14ct). I use this number to judge value and durability at a glance: 585 is real gold, stronger than higher-purity gold because of the alloy metals mixed in.

How the fineness number and karat relate

  • Fineness (585) = parts per 1,000 of pure gold → 585/1000 = 58.5%.
  • Karat (14K) = proportion of 24 parts → 14/24 ≈ 58.3% (sold as 14K).
  • Hallmark / assay mark: a trustworthy piece will show a fineness stamp (585), sometimes alongside an assay office mark or the chemical symbol Au585.

Why 585 (14K) is a common choice

I prefer 585 for everyday jewellery because it balances strength and gold content. Pure gold (24K / 999) is soft; alloying with copper, silver, zinc, or palladium makes the metal harder and better for rings and bracelets. Jewelers mix alloys to produce yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold finishes while keeping the 585 fineness.

How to read marks on jewellery

  • 585 or Au585 → 58.5% gold (14K).
  • 14K, 14ct → label for 14 karat gold (equivalent to 585).
  • 750 → 75.0% gold (18K).
  • 925 → sterling silver (92.5% silver), not gold.
    If I see a fineness mark without an assay mark, I ask for paperwork or testing.

Pros and cons of 585 (14K) gold — simple list

Pros

  • Good durability for daily wear.
  • Lower cost than 18K/22K while still being genuine gold.
  • Versatile for different gold colours and jewellery styles.

Cons

  • Contains alloy metals that can reduce lustre compared with higher-purity gold.
  • May include nickel, which can irritate sensitive skin unless marked nickel-free.

How I verify a 585 stamp (testing and trust signals)

  • Check for an official hallmark or assay mark.
  • Ask the seller for a certificate or invoice.
  • Use XRF testing (non-destructive) at a jeweller for exact composition.
  • Consider an acid test (cheaper but can harm delicate pieces).
  • Remember: gold is not magnetic — a strong magnet suggests non-gold metals, but it’s not definitive.

Care tips for 585 gold jewellery (cleaning, storage, chemicals)

  • Remove jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools or doing heavy manual work.
  • Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush; dry with a lint-free cloth.
  • Store pieces separately in soft pouches to avoid scratches.
  • Avoid exposing 585 gold to harsh chemicals (bleach, concentrated detergents).

FAQs

Q: Is 585 gold real gold?
A: Yes — 585 contains 58.5% elemental gold. It’s authentic jewellery-grade gold.

Q: Is 585 the same as 14K?
A: Practically yes. 585 refers to fineness (58.5%), and 14K is the karat label commonly used for that fineness.

Q: Will 585 gold cause allergic reactions?
A: It depends on the alloy. Ask if the piece is nickel-free; nickel commonly causes allergies.

Q: How many grams of pure gold are in a 10 g 585 ring?
A: 10 g × 0.585 = 5.85 g of pure gold.

Q: Should I choose 585 or 750 for an engagement ring?
A: I recommend 585 if you want more durability for daily wear; choose 750 (18K) if you prioritise higher gold content and slightly richer colour.

Conclusion

When I see 585 on jewellery, I know the piece contains 58.5% gold (14K / Au585) — a practical balance of value and strength. Before I buy, I check for a hallmark, ask about nickel content, and verify with testing if I need absolute certainty.

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