What Is 585 Gold? Meaning, Purity, and Value Explained
585 gold refers to a gold alloy that is 58.5% pure gold mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc to enhance its hardness and durability. You’ll often see “585” stamped on gold jewellery, indicating that it contains 14 karats of gold (since 14K = 14/24 = 58.5%).
This type of gold is commonly used in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches, offering the perfect balance between affordability, strength, and luxurious appearance.
585 Gold Composition and Purity
Gold Type | Purity (%) | Fineness (‰) | Karat (K) | Common Use |
---|---|---|---|---|
999 Gold | 99.9% | 999 | 24K | Investment-grade bullion |
585 Gold | 58.5% | 585 | 14K | Fine jewellery |
417 Gold | 41.7% | 417 | 10K | Budget jewellery |
750 Gold | 75% | 750 | 18K | Luxury jewellery and watches |
The 585 hallmark guarantees that the metal contains 585 parts of pure gold per thousand, with the rest being a blend of base metals. This alloying improves resistance to scratching and bending, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Why 585 Gold Is Not Investment-Grade
While 585 gold is genuine and valuable, it’s not typically used for investment-grade bullion because of its lower gold content. Investors prefer 99.9% pure (24K or 999 fine) gold bars and coins, which have a standardized value in global gold markets.
However, 585 gold remains highly desirable in the jewellery industry, where strength, durability, and design flexibility are essential.
585 Gold vs 999 Gold
Feature | 585 Gold (14K) | 999 Gold (24K) |
---|---|---|
Gold Purity | 58.5% | 99.9% |
Durability | Very strong | Soft and bendable |
Tarnish Resistance | Excellent | Excellent but scratches easily |
Common Uses | Jewellery, watches | Bars, coins, investment |
Price | Lower | Higher |
Understanding Gold Purity Systems
Gold purity is measured using two international standards:
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Millesimal fineness — Expressed as a number like 585, 750, or 999, representing parts per thousand of pure gold.
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Carat (Karat) — Expressed as 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K, representing how many parts out of 24 are pure gold.
Example:
14K gold = (14 ÷ 24) × 100 = 58.5% purity = 585 fineness
Is 585 Gold Real Gold?
Yes, 585 gold is real gold. It’s not plated or imitation — it’s a genuine gold alloy with more than half its weight made up of pure gold. The remaining metals improve its color tone, scratch resistance, and strength, ensuring your jewellery lasts for decades.
Pros and Cons of 585 Gold
✅ Advantages
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Affordable compared to 18K or 24K gold
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Durable and suitable for daily wear
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Resistant to bending, scratching, and tarnish
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Available in various colors: yellow, white, or rose gold
❌ Disadvantages
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Lower intrinsic gold value than higher karat options
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Not ideal for gold investors
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May trigger allergies in sensitive skin (due to alloy metals)
Final Thoughts
585 gold represents a smart middle ground between luxury and practicality. It’s real, durable, and visually stunning, making it one of the most popular choices for jewellery buyers worldwide. While it’s not intended for investors seeking pure gold, it remains a valuable, versatile, and authentic gold alloy that holds its beauty and worth over time.
585 gold price
The gold bullion market trades in pure 24 carat, 999 fineness gold. This is the raw material for any gold jewellery. The gold market is notoriously volatile, but jewellery prices can also include many other factors.
Calculating the 585 gold price is very easy; simply multiply the current market price for gold by 0.585 and you will have a rough price. It should be noted however, the cost to process and refine this gold means the price you get will likely be lower than the calculated spot price.
BullionByPost buy scrap 585 gold, and provide the live 585 gold price to save you the job of calculating it yourself.
When buying jewellery, the choice of fineness is a balance between value and wearability. High fineness jewellery has greater value, better appearance and is more tarnish resistant. Lower fineness jewellery is more affordable and more hard-wearing, and this is one of the reasons 585 gold is a popular choice in jewellery. 9 carat is hard-wearing and affordable, but may tarnish. 22-carat is more easily damaged, more resistant to tarnish but more expensive.
585 gold or 14-carat is the lowest commonly used purity in Europe. It is not common in the UK but is a good compromise between value and wearability. In the UK the lowest fineness permitted is 9 carat, in the US it is 10 karat and in Germany 8 carat.
Gold 585 colours
The metals used in gold alloys change its colour or tint. 585 gold can be made in a huge range of colours. The three major shades are yellow, white and rose.