Jewelry IdentifierWhat Does 10K Mean on Jewelry?
10K means 10-karat gold — 41.7% pure gold.
- Metal
- Gold
- Purity
- 41.7% pure gold
- Fineness
- 417/1000
- Karat / type
- 10K
- Also written as
- 417, 10kt, 0.417
- Commonly on
- class rings, budget jewelry, durable chains
10K stamped on jewelry means 10-karat gold — the lowest purity that can legally be sold as gold in the United States, at about 41.7% pure. Its high alloy content makes it durable and affordable, which is why it's common in class rings and everyday pieces. Its European equivalent is 417.
What is a 10K piece worth?
10K is the US minimum for 'gold'. It has real but modest melt value (~$40/gram at ~$3,000/oz) and is very hard.
How to verify a 10K stamp
Confirm the 10K stamp is genuine with the Hallmark Reader and rule out plating with the Is It Real? tool. Anyone can stamp a mark on metal, so a hallmark alone isn't proof — the fastest way to check is to photograph the stamp and run it through the free Hallmark Reader, then confirm the metal itself with the Is It Real? tool. For a full picture of what your piece is worth, get a free jewelry appraisal. To compare 10K with every other mark side by side, see the full jewelry stamps and markings chart.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure what your jewelry really is?
Scan the stamp with the free Hallmark Reader, or get an instant value estimate — no sign-up needed.