THE RUBY JOURNAL · BUYER'S GUIDE
Reading Gold Purity Marks: 916, 875 and 750
A stamp on a gold jewel is a claim, not a certificate. Reading it correctly, and knowing what it does not say, matters as much as recognising the numbers themselves.Prepared and reviewed by the Ruby Jewellers house team in Lahore · Updated 2 September 2026Karat and fineness are the same idea, two ways
Karat describes purity as a fraction of 24 parts; fineness describes the same purity out of 1000. Pure gold is 24-karat, expressed as 999 fineness. 22-karat gold is 916, 21-karat is 875, 18-karat is 750, and 14-karat is 585. The numbers on a stamp are simply the fineness version of the karat.
Why 21 and 22 karat lead in Pakistan
Traditional Pakistani jewellery is worked predominantly in 21-karat and 22-karat gold. Both hold enough pure gold to carry the rich colour associated with traditional design, while remaining workable for the filigree, engraving and handwork this jewellery is known for.
Where 18 karat earns its place
18-karat gold contains less pure gold and more alloy, which makes it harder and better suited to holding diamonds and other stones securely under daily wear. It is the more common choice for diamond settings, and for pieces designed to sit closer to the body.
What a stamp tells you
A purity mark indicates the fineness the maker or setter is claiming for that metal, nothing more. It does not describe the stones, the workmanship or the weight of any single component, and does not by itself confirm the mark was independently verified.
What a stamp does not settle
Assay and marking practice varies across Pakistan's gold trade rather than following one uniform national scheme, so a stamp's reliability depends on the workshop or house behind it. A number pressed into metal is only as trustworthy as the party who put it there.
Ask for it in writing
A written purity statement from the jeweller, tied to the specific piece and its receipt, carries more weight than a stamp read on its own. It creates a clear record to return to for sizing, servicing or a future inspection.
Questions, answered
What does a 916 stamp mean on gold jewellery?+
916 is the millesimal fineness for 22-karat gold—916 parts pure gold out of 1000. It is one of the most common marks seen on traditional Pakistani gold jewellery, alongside 875 for 21-karat and 750 for 18-karat.
Is a purity stamp enough on its own?+
A stamp states a claimed purity, but assay and marking practice varies across Pakistan's gold trade. Ask the jeweller for a written purity statement tied to the piece, rather than relying on the stamp alone.
Why is 18-karat gold used for diamond settings?+
18-karat gold carries more alloy than 21 or 22-karat gold, which makes it harder and more secure for holding diamonds and other stones through daily wear, while still carrying meaningful gold content.
