585 is the purity value that indicates 14K gold. The figure expresses that 585 parts per thousand of the alloy is pure gold. The remaining 415 parts per thousand consist of metals such as silver, copper and zinc.
This ratio gives the jewelry both hardness and a durability suitable for daily wear. It is also the purity most frequently preferred in design jewelry that calls for fine workmanship, from rings to piercings.
What Does 585 Mean?
585 means that in a gold alloy of a thousand units, 585 units are pure gold. This notation is known as the millesimal system and expresses purity as a ratio per thousand. In the karat system, purity is calculated out of 24.
Dividing 14 by 24 gives approximately 0.583. In the jewelry trade this value is rounded up to 585, and it is guaranteed that the alloy does not fall below 14 karats. The small difference between 583 and 585 arises from this margin of tolerance.
Pure gold, that is 24 karats, is a rather soft metal for making jewelry. When a thin ring band is produced from pure gold, it bends and scratches in a short time. The metals added to the alloy balance this softness and make 585 suitable for making jewelry.
Where on the Jewelry Is the 585 Hallmark Found?
The 585 hallmark is stamped on a flat surface of the piece that does not catch the eye. On rings the hallmark is generally on the inner side of the band. On necklaces and bracelets it is on the clasp or on the small plate next to the clasp ring.
On earrings the area set aside for the hallmark is quite narrow. For this reason the figure is mostly engraved on the post, the prong or the back closure of the earring. On piercings, the bar or the screw part is preferred in a similar way.
The hallmark sometimes consists only of the figure "585", and sometimes appears together with the mark "14K". On very small pieces the figure is hard to make out with the naked eye, and a magnifying glass makes reading easier. The hallmark alone is not considered definitive proof; a certificate and an invoice support this information.
Are 585 Gold and 14K Gold the Same?
Yes, 585 gold and 14K gold are the same. The two expressions describe the same ratio of purity with different systems. 585 is the millesimal notation, and 14 karats is its equivalent in the karat system.
In the international market the same alloy is also referred to as "14K" or "14 karat". A "14K" stamp on one piece and a "585" stamp on another show the same purity, wherever they were bought. The confusion between 585 gold and 14K gold arises from these different forms of notation.
Which Jewelry Is 585 Gold Used In?
585 gold is used in almost every type of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, charms and piercings. Its balance between hardness and purity makes it the most practical option for everyday pieces.
Rings are the pieces of jewelry most exposed to impact during the day. The hard structure of 14 karats makes it difficult for the band to bend and for the stone setting to loosen. Thanks to the same hardness, thin chains are also more resistant to breaking.
Piercings call for a solid metal that stays in contact with the skin for a long time. 14K gold piercing models therefore find a wide area of use, from the earlobe to the tragus area. After the initial piercing, an 8 mm bar is generally chosen to allow for swelling, and after healing a 6 mm or 4 mm bar is used.
585 is also frequently seen in designs that carry a symbol. With its motif expressing family ties and putting down roots, the 14K Gold Tree of Life Necklace is one example of this approach. The power of 14 karats to preserve fine detail keeps the lines of the roots and branches clear.
What Is the Difference Between 585 and 750 and 916?
The main difference between 585, 750 and 916 is the ratio of pure gold in the alloy. 585 corresponds to 14 karats, 750 to 18 karats and 916 to 22 karats. As purity increases the color deepens, while the metal softens.
|
Feature |
585 (14K) |
750 (18K) |
916 (22K) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pure gold ratio |
58.5% |
75% |
91.6% |
|
Hardness |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
Color tone |
Light, soft yellow |
Pronounced yellow |
Deep, warm yellow |
|
Scratch resistance |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
Common use |
Everyday jewelry, piercings, thin chains |
Special designs with stones |
Bangles, traditional jewelry |
585 stands out in pieces that will be worn every day. The softness of 916 makes it difficult to preserve the form in fine and detailed designs. 750 strikes a balance between the two ends and is especially widespread in European jewelry making.
What Should Be Considered When Choosing 585 Gold Jewelry?
In choosing 585 gold jewelry, the first elements checked are the hallmark and the certificate. Then the purpose of use, the color tone and the details of the workmanship are evaluated.
-
Hallmark Check: The mark 585 or 14K is looked for on the piece. The certificate and the invoice support the information on the hallmark in writing.
-
Color Tone: Yellow, rose and white options can be produced in the same purity. The choice is made according to skin tone and to the other pieces that will be worn with it.
-
Frequency of Use: In pieces to be worn every day, plain forms and solid clasps come to the fore. More striking designs can be preferred for special occasions.
-
Stone Setting: In models with stones, whether the stone is fixed with prongs or with glue is examined. Prong settings are considered safer in daily wear.
-
Skin Sensitivity: White gold alloys can contain nickel. For sensitive skin, alloys free of nickel are preferred.
-
Workmanship: The clasp mechanism, the solder points and the smoothness of the surface are checked. Good workmanship allows the piece to keep its form for a long time.
In design focused pieces, the story and the symbol are also an important part of the choice. Among 14K gold jewelry, different types such as necklaces, earrings, rings and charms are found together. Models on which a letter or a name can be worked turn the piece into a personalized gift.
How Is 585 Gold Jewelry Cleaned and Stored?
585 gold jewelry is easily cleaned at home with warm water and a few drops of mild soap. Harsh chemicals or abrasive products are not needed.
-
Warm water is put into a bowl and a few drops of unscented, mild soap are added.
-
The piece is left in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
-
The clasp and the area around the stone are gently brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
-
The piece is rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
-
It is dried with a soft, lint-free cloth and left out until it is completely dry.
Leaving stone-set models in for a long time is not recommended, because stones fixed with glue can loosen. Baking soda, toothpaste and bleach are not used; these products scratch the surface or affect the alloy.
In storage, every piece is kept in a separate compartment or in a fabric pouch. Chains do not knot when they are stored with the clasp closed. Putting the piece on after perfume, cream and deodorant have been applied prevents residue from building up on the surface.
With the balance it strikes between purity and durability, 585 is the most functional purity for design jewelry. When its hallmark is read correctly and simple care steps are followed, a 14 karat piece stays close to its first-day appearance for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions About 585 Gold (FAQ)
Does 585 gold tarnish?
585 gold is affected considerably less than silver and does not show a noticeable darkening. However, the copper and silver in the alloy can create a slight dullness when they are in contact with sulfur, chlorine or cosmetic products for a long time. This dullness is generally removed with cleaning done with warm soapy water.
Can 585 gold jewelry go into water?
585 gold jewelry is not damaged by short contact with water such as hand washing or a shower. The chlorine in pool water and the salt in sea water, on the other hand, can affect the alloy and the shine of the surface over time. Since glue can weaken in stone-set models, it is safer to take the piece off before swimming.
Is 585 gold durable for daily wear?
585 gold is one of the gold purities most durable for daily wear. The metals in the alloy form a structure much harder than pure gold. Thanks to this, ring bands do not bend easily and chains stay resistant to impact. Taking it off during sports and heavy housework reduces the risk of scratching.
Why does 585 gold come in different color tones?
The color of 585 gold changes according to the ratio of the metals in the remaining 415 parts per thousand. When the copper ratio increases, rose appears, and when silver and copper are balanced, a yellow tone appears. Alloys to which palladium or nickel is added form white gold. The ratio of pure gold is the same in all three colors.
Does 585 white gold turn yellow over time?
585 white gold can take on a slightly yellowish tone over time. The reason for this is that the rhodium plating providing the white appearance thins during wear. Since the color of the alloy itself is slightly yellowish, this tone appears as the plating wears. Rhodium renewal done at a jeweler brings back the original appearance.
