State hallmarks and gold samples

Purchasing gold jewelry usually involves a significant expense. For centuries, it has been an extremely valuable ore - it has been a symbol of power, wealth and high position in society. Pure gold is too malleable, so gold alloys are used to make jewelry, i.e. a mixture of pure gold and other metals, resulting in various samples of gold. In the next article, we will explain what a gold sample is and describe state hallmarks. 

Trial of gold 

Trial of gold determines the content of pure gold in the alloy from which the jewelry is made. There are two systems for determining the amount of gold used. First metric system, in which the metal content is determined in ppm. For example, a fineness of 0,585 means that the gold content of the item is 58,5%. Second carat systemwhere the fineness of gold is measured in carats. Pure gold was assumed to be 24 carats, so 14 carat gold contains 58,3% pure gold. There are currently seven gold tests in Poland and it is worth noting that there are no intermediate tests. So what are the main gold tests? 

PPM test:

999 proof - the item contains 99,9% pure gold.

960 proof - the item contains 96,0% pure gold.

750 proof - the item contains 75,0% pure gold.

585 proof - the item contains 58,5% pure gold.

500 proof - the item contains 50,0% pure gold.

375 proof - the item contains 37,5% pure gold.

333 proof - the item contains 33,3% pure gold.

Recognizing the fineness of gold should not be a big problem for you - it should be minted on the product. This is done so that the buyer is not misled by an unscrupulous seller. A minted sample of gold is marked with a number from 0 to 6, where: 

• 0 means try 999,

• 1 means try 960,

• 2 means try 750,

• 3 means try 585,

• 4 means try 500,

• 5 means try 375,

• 6 - attempt 333.

Gold proofs are often minted in hard to reach places, so if you have trouble finding the symbol, contact a jeweler or jeweler who can help you identify the gold proof.

State hallmarks

Stamp is a legally protected official mark confirming the content of the precious metal in the product. Therefore, if we want to make products from gold or silver and plan to sell them in Poland, they must be stamped with state stamps.

You will find a table of gold fineness here.

What type of gold to choose?

The most popular samples of gold are 585 and 333. Both have their supporters and opponents. Test 585 it has more pure gold, so its price is higher. Due to the high gold content (more than 50%), jewelry is more plastic and prone to various kinds of scratches and other mechanical damage. However, gold is an extremely valuable metal that is only going up in value. Gold attempts 333 on the other hand, it is less ductile and its price is lower, but it can fade quickly. Gold of this assay is ideal for everyday jewelry due to its resistance to damage.

How have gold samples been studied in the past?

Already in the XNUMXth century BC in ancient Greece, gold samples were examined in the same way as they are today. However, there were other ways - in the III century BC, Archimedes examined the golden crown of Hiero, immersing it in water and comparing the mass of displaced water with the mass of the crown, which means that the Greeks they knew the concept of metal density, i.e. the ratio of the mass of the metal to the volume it occupies.

Gold is one of the most valuable precious metals, so sellers often attempt to scam. Before buying, you should learn how to check the proof of gold and make a purchase in verified ones. jewelry stores.