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International Firefighters Signet Co.
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LEARN ABOUT
JEWELRY
Gold terms:
Fine gold Fineness Gold alloy Karat gold Plumb gold
Pure gold Solid gold Gold filled Gold overlay Gold plated (GP) ( RGP)
PLATINUM
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Indicates the amount of pure gold in the metal. Abbreviation: kt
Example: Karat gold
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The following are some of the factors that determine the value of a gold
Weights, measures and marks:
Avoirdupois Grain Gram Penny weight Hallmark
Troy ounce Troy weight , Tael , Quality mark , Trademark
Gold containing no other elements or metals. It's also called pure gold or 24K (24 karat) gold and has a fineness of 999.
The amount of gold in relation to 1000 parts. For example, gold with a fineness of 750 has 750 parts (75%) gold and 250 parts of other metals.
A mixture of gold with other metal (s) formed by melting them together. Gold is alloyed (combined with metals such as silver, copper, zinc, and nickel to reduce its cost and
A gold alloy, which in the United States must have a fineness of at least 10K. in Britain and Canada, it must be at least 9K. There's a possibility that 10K will become the legal gold standard in Britain and Canada too. British use " carat " not " karat. " Modern European standards are marked as decimals .750 for 18k, .585 for 14k etc.
Karat (Kt or K): The gold content of metal; refers to the quality of pure gold.
24 Karat (24K) - pure gold or fine gold 18 Karat (18K) - 75% pure gold and 25% alloy. Can be yellow or white in color. 14 Karat (14K) - 58.3% pure gold 41.5% alloy. Can be Yellow or white in color. 10 Karat (10K) - 41.67% pure gold and 58.33% alloy. Can be yellow or white in color.
In general usage, it means gold that has the same purity as the mark stamped on it. Therefore, 14KP means gold jewelry which had been soldered could be stamped 14K. according to current US and Canadian law, the pure gold content must be within 3 parts per thousand of the stamped karat mark for unsoldered items and 7 parts per thousand for soldered items. This means that technically all marked gold sold now is plump gold. In reality, not all gold jewelry is. When jewelers describe their jewelry as plumb gold, they are emphasizing that they abide by the law. In the US and Canada, gold solders have to comply with the plumb-gold laws. A 14K solder might range from 12 to 14K. If jewelers want specify that they want a solder which is actually 14K they may request a plumb solder. When you have repairs done you should ask if they will use a plumb solder!
Same as fine gold.
Gold that is not hollow. Even though legally in the US, "solid gold" can only be used for 24K gold, it more commonly refers to karat gold which is not hollow or layered.
Composed of a layer of gold mechanically bonded to a base metal ( a non-precious metal such a brass or copper.) using heat and pressure. In the US, the layer must be at least 10K gold and 1/20th the total weight of the object.
Same as gold filled except the gold layer is thinner. It can be from 1/20th to 1/40th of the total weight of the object.
Same as gold overlay. An example of how it might be indicated on a piece of jewelry "1/40 12 Kt RGP, " meaning that the piece has been mechanically bonded with a layer of gold which is 1/40th of the total weight of the piece. Canadian law does not allow plated items to be stamped.
Sterling silver covered with at least 120/millionths of an inch of fine gold.( the karat of gold should be stated) The layer of gold may be either electroplated or mechanically bonded.
Hollow is just that hollow. Jewelry that looks big and heavy but feels light is apt to be hollow. It's a good idea to always ask if a piece is hollow. You should be told with out asking, but this is not always done. Hollow jewelry presents a variety of problems. When the walls of the piece are thin, it dents and wears through quickly, leaving holes. Repairing it is difficult or impossible. You will find chains, bracelets, earrings, charms and many other items of jewelry made this way. The advantage of buying hollow jewelry is cost and weight. A rope chain that is hollow, or earrings will be lighter and therefore more comfortable to ware and will cost much less then solid.
Avoirdupois weight
The weight system used in the US for food and people and almost everything except precious metals and gems. One pound avoirdupois equals 16 ounces.
Troy weight
The system of weights used in the US and England for gold and silver, in which 1 pound equals 12 ounces, and 1 ounce equals 20 pennyweights. It should not be confused with avoirdupois weight.
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