Gold is not just a precious metal, it is an investment and a value that spans decades. Therefore, when purchasing gold, it is essential to ensure its quality and authenticity. This is where the “gold stamp” comes in, which carries symbols and numbers that reveal the purity of the gold, the country of origin, and other important information. In this article, we will learn how to read the gold stamp and understand its meanings to ensure that you choose an authentic and valuable gold piece.
What is a gold seal?
Gold stamps are symbols or numbers that are engraved on gold items, such as rings, bracelets, and bars, to identify the purity of the gold and related information. The stamp provides a guarantee to the buyer and allows them to verify the specifications of the piece before purchasing it.
The importance of the gold seal
- Checking the purity of gold: helps in knowing the real carat.
- Authenticity Guarantee: State the country of manufacture and brand.
- Market Value: Helps to accurately determine the price based on purity.
- Compliance with international standards: Ensures that producers adhere to globally accepted standards.
How to read gold seal and its meanings
1. Meanings of gold carat numbers
You will usually find numbers stamped on gold that express its purity percentage, which are as follows:
- 999 or 24K: 99.9% pure gold, the purest but softest type of gold.
- 916 or 22K: Contains 91.6% pure gold with other metals added to enhance hardness.
- 750 or 18K: Contains 75% gold and 25% other metals such as silver or copper.
- 585 or 14K: Contains 58.5% gold, and is widely used in practical jewelry.
- 375 or 9K: Contains 37.5% gold, and is considered the lowest in terms of purity.
2. Company and factory symbols
Gold jewellery is stamped with a logo or symbol that identifies the manufacturer, often:
- Abbreviation of brand name.
- Distinctive symbols that indicate the producing workshops or factories.
- Registration numbers indicate the origin of the piece.
3. Country of Origin
Sometimes symbols or letters are placed to indicate the country of manufacture of the gold, such as:
- "SA" for Saudi Arabia.
- "IT" for Italy.
- "UK" for Great Britain.
- "UAE" for Emirates.
4. Global Gold Purity Codes
Internationally recognized symbols are used to confirm purity, including:
- Libra (official sign of purity).
- Lion's head (British mark).
- Eagle sign (used in France).
5. Certification and Conformity Marks
In some countries, gold is stamped with government marks indicating that it has been tested by accredited bodies, such as:
- Stamp of the competent authority (such as the Ministry of Commerce).
- National quality mark.
- Date of production or certification.
How to verify the authenticity of a gold stamp?
To verify the authenticity of a gold stamp, you can follow these steps:
1. Use a magnifying glass: to check the clarity of the stamp and ensure its accuracy.
2. Refer to reliable sources: such as the websites of manufacturers or official authorities.
3. Visit an authorized store: to examine the piece using specialized devices.
4. Chemical analysis: It can be resorted to in case of doubt about authenticity.
Missing Seal: What Does It Mean?
If you do not find a stamp on your gold piece, it may be because:
- Corrosion over time.
- It is from an old industry that did not rely on the seal system.
- The piece may be fake.
In this case, the gold must be tested by an accredited body.
The difference between hand stamped and laser stamped
- Hand stamping: This is done using traditional tools and may be less accurate.
- Laser stamping: It is done using modern techniques that ensure extreme accuracy in engraving.
conclusion
Understanding how to read a gold stamp and knowing its meaning is essential for anyone who wants to invest or buy gold jewelry with confidence. By looking at the symbols and numbers, you can ensure the authenticity of the piece and avoid commercial fraud. So, always make sure to check the stamp and verify its source to ensure the best value for your gold investment.