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Small numbers on gold jewelry are often noticed along with hallmarks when buying the piece. Also, small numbers like 916, 750, and 585 often get seen along with hallmarks when buying gold jewelry. These are not arbitrary numbers but rather indicate the amount of purity or fineness of the gold in parts per thousand (ppt).

916 stands for 22K gold (91.6% pure gold). Alloy metals such as copper or silver are typically used for strength, the latter being 8.4%. This is the most furnished in India for classical jewelry for its shine, durability, and very good resale value.

750 means 18K gold (75% pure gold). It is now widely used for modern designer jewelry, particularly in the West, and for studded jewelry. Stronger than 22K, it is easier to wear and more scratch-resistant.

585 indicates 14K gold (58.5% pure gold). This is a very inexpensive and long-lasting choice and is commonly seen in everyday jewelry, chains, and rings that are used daily.

The more the number, the more gold and the more valuable it is. Be sure to verify these numbers and the BIS hallmark (in India) to be sure. These marks can help you to steer clear of this and enable you to invest better in jewelry. When customers next spot these stamps, they will be able to tell precisely how pure their gold is!