The number 375 in a gold ring means that the ring is made of 37.5 percent pure gold. That is exactly 9 carat gold. The other 62.5 percent consists of other metals, such as silver and copper. This mix makes the ring strong and gives it a warm, soft shine.
So do you see a small stamp with 375 on the inside of a ring? Then you know right away what you are holding. In this blog you will read how to read that number, how it compares to other stamps and what it means when you wear the ring every day.
How do you read a gold stamp?
A gold stamp shows in thousandths how much pure gold a piece of jewelry contains.
Thousandths instead of percentages
Jewelers count in parts per thousand. The number 375 therefore means 375 parts gold out of 1000 parts metal. Convert that to a percentage and you get 37.5 percent.
This system is handy, because you read it the same way all over Europe. A stamp with 375 means the same in the Netherlands as it does in Italy or Germany.
From thousandths to carat
Carat uses a different scale. Pure gold is 24 carat, so 24 out of 24 parts. A 9 carat ring consists of 9 of those 24 parts. Divide 9 by 24 and you get 0.375 again. That is why the 375 stamp matches 9 carat exactly.
Would you like to see all types of gold side by side? Then also read more about the difference between 9k gold, 14k gold and gold plated. All the features are listed there clearly.
Disc Galaxy Ring Zirconia Gold
Which other numbers do you often see?
Besides 375, gold jewelry often carries a few other stamps.
585 and 750
The 585 stamp belongs to 14 carat gold, so 58.5 percent pure gold. The 750 stamp stands for 18 carat gold, with 75 percent pure gold. The higher the number, the deeper the yellow color and the softer the metal.
A 750 ring therefore feels luxurious, but it also scratches faster. A 375 ring stays strong in daily use. That makes 375 a smart choice for a ring you hardly ever take off.
925 is not gold
Sometimes you also see the number 925. That is the stamp for sterling silver, with 92.5 percent pure silver. A gold colored ring with 925 is therefore silver with a layer of gold. Read more about this in the blog on the difference between 925 and 999 silver.
Why do many people choose 375 gold?
A ring made of 375 gold combines a real gold color with a sturdy alloy.
Strong for everyday wear
Pure gold is very soft. A 24 carat ring bends and scratches quickly. The extra metals in 9 carat gold make the ring harder. As a result, it keeps its shape, even when you wear it every day at work, at the gym or in the kitchen.
A soft, warm color
The silver and copper in the alloy determine the shade. That is why 9 carat gold looks slightly lighter and softer than 18 carat gold. This shade goes beautifully with colored gemstones, such as a deep onyx or a fresh jade.
How do you check a 375 stamp?
A stamp is small, but with a few simple steps you can read it easily.
Look on the inside
The stamp is usually on the inside of the ring. Take a magnifying glass or use your phone camera and zoom in. Next to 375 you sometimes also see a maker's mark.
In doubt? Have it tested
A stamp alone does not tell you everything. If you are unsure about a ring, have it tested by a jeweler. You will find more tips in the blog on how to recognize real gold jewelry.
How does this apply to our rings?
For our gold rings, 375 stands for solid gold, so gold all the way through.
Every 9 carat gold ring in the collection is made of solid 9 carat gold with a hallmark. So this is not a thin layer of gold over silver. Because we make these rings by hand in our workshop, the delivery time is 1 to 4 weeks.
Sparkling Jewels has been designing jewelry in the Netherlands since 2014. The designs come to life with experienced craftspeople in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong. The founder visits the workshops regularly and checks details there, such as the setting of a stone. On top of that, you get a 2 year warranty on manufacturing defects.
Frequently asked questions about 375 gold
I'm happy to answer a few frequently asked questions:
Is 375 gold solid gold?
Yes. A 375 gold ring is made entirely of an alloy with 37.5 percent pure gold. So there is no other metal hidden under a thin layer of gold.
What is the difference between 375 and 333?
The 333 stamp belongs to 8 carat gold, with 33.3 percent pure gold. A 375 ring therefore contains slightly more gold and often has a slightly warmer color.
Does a 375 gold ring discolor?
With normal use the color stays beautiful. Do keep perfume, chlorine and cleaning products away from it. A soft, dry cloth keeps the shine fresh.
Does every gold ring have a stamp?
Usually, but not always. A very narrow ring sometimes has little room for a stamp. If in doubt, ask about the hallmark or have the ring tested.
Want to know more, or have questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to help.
