Jewelry Hallmarks & Metal Stamps, Decoded for 2025: 925, 585, 750, Vermeil, GF, and Rhodium‑Plated

You love the feel of precious metal, but when you flip a piece over and see tiny numbers or letters, it can be hard to know what they really mean. This guide decodes jewelry hallmarks and metal stamps—so you can read 925, 585, 750, vermeil, GF, and rhodium‑plated at a glance and shop with confidence. We’ll reference current industry rules, then point you to artisan pieces from Zalori that embody those standards.

Quick legend: what the most common stamps mean

• 925 or .925 or “Sterling”: sterling silver (92.5% silver).
• 585 or 14K: 14‑karat gold (58.5% gold).
• 750 or 18K: 18‑karat gold (75% gold).
• 10K: 41.7% gold (minimum karat allowed as “gold” in the U.S.).
• Vermeil: sterling silver base plated with gold of at least 10K and a minimum plating thickness.
• GF (gold‑filled), GP (gold‑plated), GEP (gold electroplated): layered or plated surface over a different base metal; quality and thickness must be disclosed accurately.

For the legal fine print around silver, gold, and vermeil terminology in U.S. marketing, see the Federal Trade Commission’s Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, which define how these descriptions may be used and when extra disclosure is required. (Helpful sections include silver content, vermeil, and rhodium disclosure.)

Gold marks: 10K, 14K/585, 18K/750—what’s real and what’s just wording

Karat tells you how much actual gold is in an alloy, expressed in 24ths (24K is pure). That’s why you’ll often see both a karat stamp and a millesimal fineness number: 14K is the same as 585, and 18K is the same as 750. Gemological authorities explain that gold is alloyed for durability and color; higher karat reads warmer and heavier, while 14K offers excellent everyday strength. For shoppers, the takeaway is simple: the stamp should match the alloy story. If a piece is described as 18K, look for 18K or 750—and ideally a maker’s or responsibility mark nearby.

In the U.S., marketing around gold content is governed by the FTC Jewelry Guides. Claims like “solid gold” or “14K gold” must reflect the actual fineness, and quality marks used on multi‑part pieces need to be applied in a way that avoids misleading impressions. If a product combines metals, the marking should make that clear rather than letting one stamp imply the whole piece is the more valuable alloy.

Ready to feel the difference between alloys in your hand? Explore handcrafted examples like The Weave – Foxtail 18k Gold 2.0 Bracelet (stamped 18K/750 in practice) and compare it to a sterling counterpart such as The Armorer – Thai Silver 2.0 to sense how karat, density, and color show up on‑wrist.

Vermeil vs gold‑plated vs gold‑filled: why words matter

These three labels all describe a gold layer over another metal—but they’re not interchangeable.

• Vermeil: By definition in the U.S., vermeil is a sterling silver base plated on all significant surfaces with gold of at least 10K and with a minimum thickness (traditionally 2.5 microns of fine‑gold equivalent). If a brand calls something “vermeil,” it must meet that threshold and disclose if any non‑silver barrier layer sits between silver and gold.
• Gold‑plated (GP) or gold electroplated (GEP): A thin layer of gold deposited over base metal; there’s no single required thickness unless a specific claim is made, but any plating must be of “reasonable durability,” and the base must be disclosed when relevant.
• Gold‑filled (GF) or rolled gold plate (RGP): A much thicker, mechanically bonded layer of karat gold over a base metal. It’s not solid gold, but the layer is far heavier than typical “plating.”

Bottom line: vermeil is the premium option among plated terms because of its sterling base and required thickness. If you love an ice‑white finish over silver, you’ll also see rhodium—more on that below. For a mirror‑white look with clear care guidance, see Zalori’s in‑depth explainer on rhodium plating and match it with bright‑white sterling styles in our Women’s Bracelets.

Silver marks: 925 sterling, coin silver, and plated disclosures

Sterling silver is legally 925/1000 pure silver (with the balance typically copper). That’s why you’ll see 925, .925, “Sterling,” or “Ster.” on legitimate pieces. U.S. guidance cautions against using just the unqualified word “silver” unless you include a fineness number; phrases like “coin silver” imply 900/1000 purity. If an item is merely silver‑plated, the description must say so—and the plating must cover all significant surfaces with reasonable durability.

In everyday shopping terms, look for 925 on the interior of rings, inside bracelet clasps, on pendant bails, or near chain end caps. For a tactile sense of true sterling, try a substantial handcrafted piece like The Vanguard – Foxtail Silver 2.0 Bracelet or the statement‑weight Legend – Heavy Bali Silver 2.0. If you’re comparing finishes or planning long‑term care, our own Sterling Silver Care 2025 walks you through gentle cleaning, storage, and tarnish prevention.

Platinum and rhodium: similar shine, different meaning

Platinum jewelry is marked with purity stamps like 950, 900, or “Platinum/Pt/Plat” when it meets high thresholds of pure platinum content. It’s naturally white, dense, and hypoallergenic. Rhodium, by contrast, is not a base‑metal hallmark; it’s typically a surface layer applied over white gold or silver to deliver a crisp, mirror‑bright white and extra hardness. U.S. guidance says you must disclose a rhodium surface layer on products represented as precious metal—so if a description reads “white gold, rhodium‑plated,” that’s correct and transparent.

Practically speaking: platinum stamps tell you about the metal throughout, while “rhodium‑plated” tells you about a surface finish. For an ice‑white finish on sterling or white gold, read our rhodium plating guide, then choose a polished everyday piece from the Women’s Bracelets collection to experience the look.

Where to find hallmarks—and how to verify them

Common hallmark locations:

• Rings: inside the shank, opposite the center stone.
• Bracelets: near the clasp or on an interior plaque.
• Necklaces/Chains: on the clasp, jump ring, or a small tag near the clasp.
• Pendants: on the bail or back.

In the U.S., if a precious‑metal quality mark is used (e.g., “585” or “925”), the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act requires an adjacent manufacturer’s trademark or the seller’s name—the responsibility mark—so you know who stands behind the claim. That pairing of fineness + maker’s ID is your friend when authenticity matters.

For higher stakes or vintage pieces, pair hallmark reading with instrument testing. At Zalori, our team references XRF testing as a non‑destructive way to verify metal composition—then we match you to the right finish, length, and weight. Want a simple hallmark to spot on a meaningful gift? The 14K Yellow Gold Dove Pendant is a classic place to start.

Common misreads and counterfeit clues (and how to avoid them)

• Misplaced or isolated stamps: If a bracelet has one “750” stamp on a clasp but the rest of the structure is base metal, that’s misleading. Quality marks should accurately indicate which parts are which, not imply that every similar‑looking surface is the same alloy.
• Ambiguous “gold tone” or “silver tone”: These describe color, not composition. Look for actual fineness marks.
• Too‑thin plating sold as “vermeil”: Vermeil has a minimum gold thickness and a sterling base. If the seller can’t confirm both, assume standard plating.
• Electroformed trickery: Some pieces are built over non‑metal cores and then plated thickly to look solid. A detailed lab note recently highlighted an electroformed “14K” bracelet that wasn’t solid gold at all—underscoring why verification and reputable sellers matter.

If something seems off, ask for the responsibility mark, fineness, plating thickness (if relevant), and whether any barrier metals were used.

Care implications by mark (so your finish lasts)

• Sterling 925: Clean gently with mild soap and water, dry thoroughly, and store airtight with anti‑tarnish tabs. Avoid rubber bands and chlorine. If you like a bright white look, rhodium plating can reduce tarnish and add hardness between polishes.
• 14K/18K gold: Softer than steel but tougher than silver on scratch resistance for daily wear; avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives. White gold is often rhodium‑plated—plan periodic touch‑ups if you want a mirror‑white finish over time.
• Vermeil and plated: Treat like a fine finish. Skip abrasive cloths and harsh dips; use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth. Expect eventual re‑plating depending on wear points (rings and bracelets see the most friction).
• Platinum: Dense and durable; develops a soft patina that many love. A quick professional polish restores a high‑gloss white.

For a step‑by‑step silver routine you can do at home, bookmark our Sterling Silver Care 2025. It covers when not to DIY (pearls, opals, and specialty finishes) and how to store pieces so they glow longer between cleans.

Shop with certainty (and enjoy the details)

When you know how to read stamps, choosing becomes easy. If you want luminous weight and heirloom color, explore our handcrafted gold bracelets like The Vanguard – Foxtail 18k Gold 2.0. Prefer enduring silver with sculptural texture? Start with The Armorer – Thai Silver 2.0 or go bold with The Legend – Heavy Bali Silver 2.0. If you’re building a gift, add a symbolic pendant like the 14K Yellow Gold Dove and a chain you’ll wear on repeat.

Need help reading a mark or matching a stamp to the right care routine? Book a quick virtual consult from our About page and we’ll decode it together—then point you to pieces you’ll wear for years with zero guesswork.