IMPORTANT METAL MARKINGS

GOLD

Karat: Represents the number of parts out of 24

9K or 9C Used only in Britain and Colonies

10K Lowest allowed by law in the US that can still legally be called "gold."

14K Most commonly used standard in US today

15C Used in Britain.

18K or 18C Preferred by high-end designers. Stronger yellow color.

22K Used mostly in middle and far east. Strong yellow color. Very soft.

EUROPEAN MARKS: Number parts of 1000.

333                  8K

416                  10K

585                  14K

750                  18K

916                  22K

PLATINUM

950                  newest mark for platinum

PLAT

5 irid plat          5 alloy with iridium

10 irid plat        10 alloy with iridium

SILVER
Ster.

Sterling silver

925                  925 parts of 1000 silver

800                  called "800" silver, Continental

German silver or nickel silver - not silver at all.