Gold guides
How to read the purity stamp on gold jewellery
What the numbers stamped on gold and silver jewellery mean (916, 750, 375 and 925), where to find them and how we stamp our pieces.
2 min read
Turn over almost any piece of gold jewellery and you'll find a tiny number stamped into the metal. In Fiji, people often call it the "hallmark". It tells you the purity of the gold, and once you know the numbers it takes a second to read.
What the numbers mean
| Stamp | Means | Purity |
|---|---|---|
| 916 | 22ct gold | 91.6% gold |
| 750 | 18ct gold | 75% gold |
| 375 | 9ct gold | 37.5% gold |
| 925 | Sterling silver | 92.5% silver |
The number is simply the parts of pure gold (or silver) per thousand. So 916 means 916 parts in 1,000 are gold. You may also see "22ct" alongside 916. For more on what the carat numbers mean, see our explainer on what 22ct gold means.
Where to find the stamp
- Chains and necklaces: on the clasp, or on a small tag beside it.
- Bangles: on the inside of the band.
- Rings: inside the band.
- Earrings: on the post, hook or back.
- Pendants: on the bail (the loop the chain passes through) or the back.
The stamps are small, and on older family pieces they can be faint after years of wear. Look in good light and turn the piece slowly, or zoom in with your phone camera.
Which purity suits what
- 22ct (916) is the rich, deep yellow gold of Fiji Indian weddings, bangles and family pieces.
- 18ct (750) is a lighter yellow and is popular for diamond rings and modern designs.
- 9ct (375) is paler and very hard-wearing, a good choice for everyday rings and gifts.
- 925 sterling silver is bright, easy to wear and great for gifts and everyday pieces.
Our post on how 22ct, 18ct and 14ct gold compare compares them side by side.
The simple answer: buy from a jeweller you know
The easiest way to be confident in your gold is to buy it from an established family jeweller. Shreeji Jewellers has been a family jeweller on Main Street, Nadi since 2004, with one shop and a name we've built over two decades.
Our 22ct gold is stamped 916, 18ct is 750, 9ct is 375 and our sterling silver is 925. Every diamond comes with a Certificate of Authenticity listing its carat weight, cut, clarity and colour. Ask us to show you the stamp on any piece you like and we'll happily point it out.
If you're flying in for a wedding or holiday, our guide to buying gold in Fiji helps you plan your visit.
