750 / 18K Gold — What This Hallmark Means

A "750" stamp tells you that the jewelry is made from 18-karat gold, which contains 75% pure gold (750 parts per 1000) and 25% other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, or palladium. The karat system divides pure gold into 24 parts, so 18 out of 24 parts being gold equals 75% purity. Both the "750" and "18K" marks convey the same information — the numeric system is the European (metric) standard while the karat system is more common in the United States and UK.

18-karat gold strikes an excellent balance between purity and practicality. It has a rich, warm golden color that is noticeably deeper than 14K or 10K gold, yet it contains enough alloying metals to be reasonably durable for everyday wear. This is why 750 gold is the standard for fine jewelry in most of Europe, and it is the minimum gold purity accepted for jewelry in many countries including Italy and France.

The alloying metals in 18K gold determine its color. Yellow gold uses copper and silver, white gold uses palladium or nickel and zinc, and rose gold uses a higher proportion of copper. Regardless of color, if it's stamped 750, the gold content is always 75%.

On rings, the 750 stamp is found on the inner surface of the band, often alongside the maker's mark. For necklaces, check the clasp area or any small tag near the closure. Bracelets typically show the mark on the clasp or on the inside of a flat link. Earrings may have the stamp on the post, clip mechanism, or back.

European jewelry almost exclusively uses the "750" numerical mark, while American and British pieces are more likely to show "18K" or "18KT." Many high-end brands stamp both markings for international recognition, and some also include their proprietary maker's mark and a country-specific assay office mark.

You may encounter "750," "18K," "18KT," "18CT" (common in the UK and Australia), or ".750." Italian gold frequently shows "750" inside a star-shaped frame, which is the Italian assay mark. French 18K gold bears the eagle head hallmark instead of a numeric stamp.

For white gold, you might see "750WG" or "18KW," while rose gold variants include "750RG" or "18KR." Some pieces display "18K GE" (gold electroplate) or "18K HGE" (heavy gold electroplate) — these are NOT solid 18K gold but rather base metals coated with a thin layer of gold.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that 18K white gold and platinum are the same thing. While they may look similar, 18K white gold is a gold alloy that often requires rhodium plating to achieve its silvery appearance, whereas platinum is an entirely different and denser metal. White gold's rhodium plating wears off over time and needs reapplication.

Another common mistake is confusing "18K GE" or "18K HGE" with solid 18K gold. The "GE" and "HGE" designations indicate gold electroplating — a thin coating of gold over a base metal — and these pieces contain only a tiny fraction of actual gold. Always look for a standalone "750" or "18K" without any additional letters indicating plating.

If your jewelry is stamped 750 or 18K, you have a genuine fine gold piece. To verify, a jeweler can perform a touchstone acid test or use an electronic gold tester. Be aware that some counterfeit pieces carry fake stamps, so professional verification is worthwhile for expensive items.

To maintain 18K gold jewelry, clean it gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, chlorine, or abrasive materials. While 18K gold is more durable than 22K or 24K, it can still scratch — store pieces separately to prevent them from scratching each other.