Guides · Gold karat stamps
How to Identify Gold Karat Stamps
Most gold jewelry carries a small stamp that tells you its purity. Look on the clasp, the inside of a ring band, or the back of a pendant bail. A jeweler’s loupe or a phone camera on zoom helps.
Karat and millesimal stamps
| Karat stamp | Number stamp | Gold content | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% | Class rings, chains, everyday US jewelry |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | The most common US jewelry stamp |
| 18K | 750 | 75% | Fine jewelry, many European pieces, watch cases |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | Wedding bands, jewelry from India and the Middle East |
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% | Pure gold, bars and some jewelry |
Stamps that mean plated or filled, not solid gold
- GP / GEP / HGE / HGP: gold plated or heavy gold electroplate. A thin layer over base metal.
- GF / 1/20 12K GF / RGP: gold filled or rolled gold plate. More gold than plating, but not solid gold.
- Vermeil: gold plating over silver.
- Words like “Gold Tone” or a karat number followed by “GE” or “GP”.
What scrap gold pays
We pay about 75% of the gold value for scrap gold: broken chains, single earrings, class rings, dental gold and karat pieces we can test. Gold coins are priced separately and usually pay much higher than scrap.
Tips before you come in
- No need to clean or sort. We sort and test at the counter.
- Unmarked pieces can still be gold. Bring them too.
- Call (336) 505-9503 or send photos for a free soft estimate.
These guides are general information, not financial or professional advice. They are a baseline reflecting our opinion, and Apex Gold Silver Coins is not liable for any errors or for decisions made based on this information. Prices and values change; bring your items in for a current offer.
Selling is simple
Bring it in. We test it. Get paid.
No appointment needed. Apex Gold Silver Coin, 605 Walnut St SW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Monday to Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 12 to 3 PM.
Home · Gold buyer · Gold coins · Silver coins · Contact us