Gold Jewelry in the USA

Solid gold, gold filled and plated pieces look alike. The stamp tells them apart.

Updated Nov 1, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Independent jewelers, department stores and mall chains sell new gold. Pawn shops and estate dealers sell used pieces. Online, buy from sellers that state karat and weight.

Professional insight

Jewelers judge gold by karat stamp, gram weight and workmanship. Price per gram exposes markups.

Look for a maker's trademark beside the karat stamp.
Hollow chains weigh less and dent easily.
Ask for weight in grams, not pennyweight only.
Check clasp and solder joints under a loupe.

Check the label

Karat mark such as 10K, 14K or 18K.
Millesimal mark such as 417, 585 or 750.
Registered trademark stamped next to the karat mark.
Weight in grams on the tag or receipt.
Solid, hollow or semi solid stated.
GF, RGP or plated wording, which means not solid.
Return policy and written receipt with karat listed.

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Gold karat chart

Karat	Stamp	Gold content
10K	417	About 41.7 percent
14K	585	About 58.3 percent
18K	750	75 percent
22K	916	About 91.7 percent
24K	999	Nearly pure

Higher karat means softer metal and a deeper yellow. For daily rings, 14K balances colour and wear.

Types

Solid gold

Gold alloy all the way through. Stamped with a karat mark.

Gold filled

A bonded gold layer of at least 1/20 of the weight. Stamped like 1/20 14K GF.

Rolled gold plate

A thinner bonded layer, such as 1/40 10K RGP.

Gold plated

A very thin plated film. Marks like HGE carry no legal meaning.

Red flags

Karat stamp with no maker's mark.
Price far below the gold value by weight.
Listing says gold tone or gold color only.
Seller refuses an acid or XRF test.
Green or black marks on skin after wear.

Care

1Wash in warm water with mild dish soap.
2Brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
3Rinse and pat dry with a lint free cloth.
4Remove before swimming in chlorine pools.
5Store pieces apart so chains do not tangle.

Common questions

Is 10K real gold?: Yes. It holds about 41.7 percent gold and resists scratches well.
What does 1/20 14K GF mean?: A bonded 14K layer forms 1/20 of the total weight.
Can I sell gold jewelry later?: Yes. Buyers usually pay for gold weight, well below retail price.