International Gold Markings and Their Meanings
Gold, a precious metal renowned for its beauty and durability, is often marked with symbols to indicate its purity and origin. These markings, known as hallmarks or karats, provide valuable information for buyers and collectors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most common international gold markings and their meanings:
Karat Markings
Karats (abbreviated as “K”) measure the purity of gold. The higher the karat, the purer the gold.
* 24K: Pure gold (99.9% pure)
* 18K: 75% gold, 25% other metals
* 14K: 58.3% gold, 41.7% other metals
* 10K: 41.7% gold, 58.3% other metals
Hallmark Symbols
In addition to karat markings, gold items are often stamped with hallmarks. These symbols indicate the country of origin, manufacturer, and purity of the gold.
* Britain:
* Crown: Indicates gold purity tested by the British Assay Office
* Lion: Pure gold (99.5% pure)
* Eagle: 22K gold
* Anchor: 18K gold
* Castle: 14K gold
* France:
* Eagle: Pure gold (99.9% pure)
* Boar’s Head: 18K gold
* Owl: 14K gold
* Dog’s Head: 10K gold
* Italy:
* Mark of the Italian manufacturer
* Purity in parts per 1000 (e.g., 750 for 18K gold)
* Switzerland:
* Head of Mercury (Hermes): Pure gold (99.9% pure)
* Helvetia (woman’s head): 18K gold
* Bear: 14K gold
* St. Bernard Dog: 10K gold
* United States:
* 10K, 14K, 18K, 24K: Purity in karats
* Manufacturer’s mark
* Year of manufacture
Other Markings
* “GF” (Gold Filled): Metal with a thin layer of gold plating.
* “GP” (Gold Plated): Metal with a very thin layer of gold plating.
* “RGP” (Rolled Gold Plate): Metal with a thick layer of gold plating.
* “HE” (Heavy Electroplate): Metal with a heavy layer of gold plating.
* “HGP” (Hard Gold Plate): Gold plating that is harder and more durable.
Importance of Gold Markings
Gold markings are essential for determining the value and authenticity of gold items. They provide buyers with confidence in the purity and origin of the gold they are purchasing. Knowing the meaning of these markings allows consumers to make informed decisions and avoid purchasing counterfeit or misrepresented jewelry.
原创文章，作者：Kevin，如若转载，请注明出处：https://fangeou.com/6919.html
