Gold Fineness Explained
How gold fineness numbers such as 999, 916 and 750 relate to purity and karat.
Fineness expresses the proportion of pure gold in an alloy, often in parts per thousand. It is widely used on bullion and jewelry hallmarks.
Reading fineness
A mark of 999 indicates approximately 999 parts gold per thousand, while 750 indicates approximately 75 percent gold. A 916 mark corresponds closely to 22-karat gold.
Some products use four-nines or other high-purity descriptions. Always rely on the issuer’s stated specification and recognized assay information rather than appearance alone.
Why alloys exist
Alloying gold can increase hardness, improve wear resistance or create different colors. The non-gold portion may include metals such as silver, copper or palladium depending on the product.
Fineness and value
For a simple melt-value estimate, multiply the item’s weight by its purity fraction and then by the current gold value per matching weight unit. Collectible, artistic and branded items can trade well above melt value.
Key takeaway
The best gold decisions usually come from understanding the product, the price components, the risks, the seller or custodian, and the purpose the gold serves in your plan. Compare multiple sources and verify important details independently.