International Gold Markings and Their Meanings
Gold, a precious metal, has been valued for centuries for its beauty, malleability, and durability. To ensure the authenticity and purity of gold jewelry and objects, internationally recognized markings are used to indicate their gold content and origin.
Karatage Markings
The most common gold marking is the karatage marking, which indicates the percentage of pure gold in an alloy. Karatage is measured on a scale of 0 to 24, with 24 karat being pure gold. Common karatage markings include:
* 24K: 100% pure gold
* 18K: 75% pure gold
* 14K: 58.3% pure gold
* 10K: 41.7% pure gold
Hallmarks
Hallmarks are official symbols stamped on gold items to certify their purity and origin. They typically include:
* Maker’s mark: Identifies the manufacturer or retailer
* Purity mark: Indicates the karatage, such as “18K”
* Assay office mark: Verifies that the item has been tested and conforms to the specified karatage
* Country of origin mark: Denotes the country where the item was made
Other Markings
In addition to karatage markings and hallmarks, other markings may be found on gold items:
* GP: Gold-plated, indicating a thin layer of gold over a base metal
* GF: Gold-filled, indicating a thicker layer of gold than gold-plated
* RGP: Rolled gold plate, a type of gold-filled with a bonded layer of gold
* HE: Hollow, indicating an item that is not solid gold
* SS: Stainless steel
Importance of Gold Markings
Gold markings are essential for consumers to verify the authenticity and value of gold jewelry and objects. They provide assurance of the purity of the metal and help prevent fraud and counterfeiting. When purchasing gold, it is important to look for recognized markings to ensure the item meets the desired quality and purity standards.
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