What Does 585 Mean in Gold? A Complete Guide to Gold Purity

If you’ve found a gold ring, inherited family jewelry, or are thinking about selling a piece stamped 585, you may be wondering what that number actually means. Is it real gold? Is it valuable? Is it the same as 14K gold?

The short answer is yes—585 is a hallmark that indicates genuine 14-karat gold. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what the 585 stamp means, how much gold it contains, how it compares with other gold purities, and how to determine its value.

What Does 585 Mean in Gold?

585 gold means the jewelry contains 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% alloy metals. It is the international hallmark for 14K gold and is commonly found on rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other fine jewelry.

In simpler terms:

• 585 Gold = 58.5% Pure Gold
• 585 Gold = 14K Gold

These two markings are exactly the same in terms of gold content. In the United States, jewelry is typically stamped 14K, while many European countries use the numerical hallmark 585.

Example: If a ring weighs 10 grams and is stamped 585, it contains approximately 5.85 grams of pure gold. The remaining 4.15 grams are alloy metals that improve durability.

Why Isn’t Gold 100% Pure?

Pure gold (24K) is incredibly soft. While it has a beautiful rich yellow color, it’s too delicate for most everyday jewelry.

To make gold suitable for engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, and necklaces, jewelers mix it with metals such as:

• Silver
• Copper
• Nickel
• Palladium
• Zinc

These alloy metals increase strength, improve scratch resistance, and allow gold to be crafted into different colors.

What Color Is 585 Gold?

Many people think 585 only refers to yellow gold, but that’s not true.

585 gold can be:

• Yellow Gold
• White Gold
• Rose Gold

The color depends on which alloy metals are mixed with the gold—not the purity itself.

For example:

• Yellow Gold: Higher amounts of silver and copper
• White Gold: Palladium, nickel, or other white metals
• Rose Gold: Increased copper content

Regardless of the color, all three can still be stamped 585.

Is 585 Gold Real Gold?

Absolutely.

A 585 stamp confirms that the jewelry contains genuine gold and is not gold-plated or imitation jewelry.

Because it contains over half pure gold, 585 gold is considered fine jewelry and holds intrinsic value based on the current market price of gold.

Is 585 Gold Better Than 10K Gold?

Here’s how common gold purities compare:

Gold Purity	Gold Content	Common Stamp
10K	41.7%	417
14K	58.5%	585
18K	75.0%	750
22K	91.6%	916
24K	99.9%	999

Compared to 10K gold, 585 (14K) gold:

• Contains significantly more pure gold
• Has a richer color
• Holds greater intrinsic value
• Remains durable enough for everyday wear

This balance of beauty and durability is why 14K gold is the most popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry in the United States.

Does 585 Gold Tarnish?

Gold itself does not tarnish, but the alloy metals mixed into 14K gold can slowly react with moisture, chemicals, lotions, perfumes, and everyday wear.

Fortunately, this is usually minimal.

With regular professional cleaning and proper care, 585 gold jewelry can maintain its beauty for decades.

Is 585 Gold Good for Engagement Rings?

Yes—it is actually one of the best choices.

Most jewelers recommend 14K gold because it provides the ideal combination of:

• Durability
• Scratch resistance
• Long-lasting shine
• Excellent value
• Secure stone settings

That’s why the majority of engagement rings and wedding bands sold in North America are made from 14K gold.

Is 585 Gold Worth Anything?

Yes.

The value of 585 gold is primarily based on its pure gold content, the current spot price of gold, and the weight of the item. Designer brands, antique pieces, and jewelry with diamonds or gemstones may be worth significantly more than their melt value.

If you’re planning to sell your jewelry, it’s important to have it evaluated by an experienced jeweler rather than relying solely on the gold weight.

How Can You Tell if 585 Gold Is Authentic?

Although the 585 stamp is a good indicator, professional jewelers use additional testing methods to verify authenticity.

These may include:

• Electronic precious metal testing
• XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis
• Acid testing
• Weight and density measurements
• Hallmark inspection

These tests help determine whether a piece is solid gold, gold-filled, plated, or counterfeit.

At Gold Buyers Houston, we evaluate hundreds of pieces of 585 gold jewelry each month using professional testing equipment to verify purity and provide fair market offers.

If you’re planning to sell 585 gold jewelry, our experienced appraisers can determine its purity, weight, and current market value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 585 gold fake?

No. A genuine 585 stamp indicates the jewelry contains 58.5% pure gold, making it authentic 14-karat gold.

Is 585 gold better than 750 gold?

750 gold (18K) contains more pure gold than 585 (14K), but 585 is generally more durable for everyday wear.

Can 585 gold be white gold?

Yes. The color depends on the alloy metals used, not the purity.

Is 585 gold magnetic?

Pure gold is not magnetic. If a piece stamped 585 is strongly attracted to a magnet, it may require further testing.

Can I sell 585 gold?

Yes. Most jewelers and reputable gold buyers purchase 585 gold based on its weight, purity, and current gold prices.