Gold Hallmarks: How to Read 875, 750 and 916
The hallmark is a small number stamped on the piece that tells you how much gold it contains. Reading it takes ten seconds, and spares you having to take anyone's word for it.
What do the numbers mean?
The hallmark number is the parts of pure gold in every thousand parts of the piece's alloy:
999 = 24K (almost pure gold, for bullion rather than jewellery). 916 = 22K. 875 = 21K. 750 = 18K.
The conversion is simple: divide the karat by 24, then multiply by 1000. 21 ÷ 24 = 0.875, which is 875.
Where do you find the hallmark?
Rings and wedding bands: inside the band. Hiyool and bracelets: on the inner edge or near the clasp. Necklaces and chains: on the clasp or the small ring beside it. Earrings: on the post or the back fastening.
The hallmark is very small; ask for a loupe in the shop, or for a close-up photo of it if you are buying online.
Hallmarking in the UAE
Federal Law No. 11 of 2015 on the control of trade in precious stones and precious metals and their hallmarking requires jewellery to carry a statement of the type of metal and its karat.
In practice: do not buy a gold piece without a clear hallmark, and make sure the stamped number matches the karat written on the invoice.
What the hallmark does not tell you
The hallmark tells you the karat only. It does not tell you the weight (measured on a scale), the style of craftsmanship such as “Bahraini” or “Italian” (a trade description of the work with no official hallmark), or the value of any stones.
Quick questions
What does 875 on gold mean?
That the piece is 21K: it contains 875 parts of pure gold in every thousand, or 87.5%.
What does 750 on gold mean?
That the piece is 18K: 750 parts per thousand pure gold, or 75%.
What is the difference between 916 and 875?
916 is 22K and 875 is 21K. 22K is yellower and slightly softer, while 21K is slightly harder and better suited to openwork and engraving.