Turn over a gold ring or look at a chain’s clasp and you will often find tiny numbers like 916 or 21K. These stamps tell you how much pure gold is in the piece, which directly decides how much it is worth today and how much you will get when you sell it.
Karat and Fineness Chart
| Stamp | Karat | Pure gold | Common use in Pakistan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 / 24K | 24K | 99.9% | Bars, biscuits, coins |
| 916 / 22K | 22K | 91.6% | Bridal sets, bangles, Gulf jewellery |
| 875 / 21K | 21K | 87.5% | Most local jewellery |
| 750 / 18K | 18K | 75% | Diamond and stone-set jewellery |
| 585 / 14K | 14K | 58.5% | Imported fashion pieces |
| 417 / 10K | 10K | 41.7% | Rare in Pakistan |
Prices for each: 24K, 22K, 21K, 18K.
Stamps That Mean “Not Solid Gold”
| Stamp | Meaning |
|---|---|
| GP | Gold plated |
| GEP | Gold electroplated |
| HGE / HGP | Heavy gold electroplate |
| RGP | Rolled gold plate |
| GF or 1/20 12K GF | Gold filled (a thick gold layer over base metal) |
| Vermeil | Gold plating over silver |
A piece showing 18K GP is not 18K gold. It is plated with 18K gold, and its gold value is almost nothing.
Is Hallmarking Compulsory in Pakistan?
Unlike India or the UAE, Pakistan does not have a widely enforced national hallmarking system. Most stamps you see are the jeweller’s own mark, not an independent certification. That means:
- A stamp is useful information but not a guarantee.
- Your receipt stating karat and weight matters more than the stamp.
- For high-value purchases, ask for an XRF karat test before paying.
Gulf Hallmarks You May See
Jewellery bought in Dubai or Saudi Arabia usually carries official assay marks along with 916 or 875. These are generally more reliable than unmarked local pieces. Compare costs on our Dubai vs Pakistan and Saudi vs Pakistan comparison pages.
Other Marks on Jewellery
- Shop initials or logo: the maker’s mark, useful if you return to the same jeweller.
- KDM: an older term for cadmium solder; not a purity mark.
- Year letters or symbols: some foreign hallmark systems include them.
How Stamps Affect Selling Price
When you sell, the jeweller pays based on actual gold content, minus deductions. A clear karat stamp plus the original receipt usually means a lower kaat (deduction) and a smoother sale. Unmarked items are often tested and priced conservatively. See today’s old gold rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 916 gold 22K or 24K?
916 is 22K gold, meaning 91.6% pure.
Is 875 gold good?
Yes. 875 (21K) is the most common jewellery standard in Pakistan and the Gulf. It is strong enough for daily wear and keeps good resale value.
Why is there no stamp on my jewellery?
Many Pakistani karigars do not stamp pieces. That does not mean it is fake. Use your receipt or an XRF test to confirm.
Can I check gold at home?
Yes, roughly. Read our guide to checking real gold at home.
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