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Gold hallmarks explained: 999 vs 958 vs 750 vs 585
A detailed guide to gold hallmarks in Armenia: what 24k, 22k, 18k and 14k mean, why prices differ, and which hallmark may fit you best.
UpdatedApril 20, 2026
When you see 999, 958, 750 or 585 on gold, those numbers describe purity. The higher the hallmark, the more pure gold the alloy contains.
That affects price, color, durability, daily wear comfort and whether the gold is better suited for investment or jewelry.
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Quick hallmark comparison
| Hallmark | Karat | Pure gold | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24k | 99.9% | bars, investment |
| 958 | 23k | 95.8% | very high purity, special pieces |
| 900 | 22k | 90% | richer color, classic jewelry |
| 750 | 18k | 75% | fine jewelry, balance of purity and strength |
| 585 | 14k | 58.5% | daily wear, stronger jewelry |
What a gold hallmark means
A hallmark shows how much pure gold is present in 1000 parts of an alloy. For example, 585 means 585 parts out of 1000 are gold.
The remaining metals affect strength, wear resistance, tone and final price.
Why 999 is the most expensive
999 is almost pure gold, so it tracks the official gold value most closely.
However, that purity also makes it softer, which is why it is often preferred for investment products rather than everyday jewelry.
Why 750 and 585 are so common
750 offers a strong balance between high gold content and practical durability. It is often used in higher-end jewelry.
585 is stronger and usually better suited for everyday wear, which is why it is common in rings, earrings and chains.
How hallmark affects price
In general, a higher hallmark means more pure gold and a higher metal value for the same weight. But the final retail price also depends on design, labor, branding, stones and seller markup.
That is why two items with similar weight may still cost very different amounts.
How to choose the right hallmark
- If your priority is investment value, 999 is usually the most relevant.
- If you want jewelry for everyday use, 585 or 750 is often more practical.
- If you want a deeper yellow tone, 900 or 958 may feel closer to what you want.
- If you are buying a gift, the best choice is often a balance of durability, appearance and budget rather than maximum purity alone.
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Common questions people ask about gold
- Which gold hallmark is better for daily wear
- What is the difference between 14k, 18k, 22k and 24k
- Why is the gold price different at banks, pawnshops and jewelry stores
- How can I verify whether jewelry is really 585 or 750
- Which hallmark is better for investment
- Is 999 gold a good choice for jewelry
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A detailed guide to gold hallmarks in Armenia: what 24k, 22k, 18k and 14k mean, why prices differ, and which hallmark may fit you best.
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