585 Gold
What does 585 mean on gold?
585 means 585 parts of gold by weight in 1,000 parts of alloy, or 58.5%. It is the thousandths fineness commonly paired with 14-carat gold. The Norwegian Precious Metals Act expresses fineness on this parts-per-thousand basis.
585, 14K and 14KT
585 is a thousandths mark; 14K and 14KT use the 24-part carat system. They commonly refer to the same commercial fineness, although 14/24 is mathematically about 58.3%, not 58.5%. Read older and imported marks in the context of the country and period.
Gold colour and alloy
585 gold may be yellow, white, red or rose. Colour alone does not show fineness. The alloy metals affect hue and working properties; white gold may also have a rhodium coating that changes the surface colour.
Marks, testing and value
Read 585 alongside any maker’s or responsibility mark and control marks. A number on its own is not conclusive proof of authenticity. Gold value is based on the net weight of the gold alloy; stones, pearls, springs and other materials are excluded. Design, maker, age, rarity, gemstones, provenance and condition may add collector value. Compare with 750 gold and the overview of gold.
Sources and further reading
- Norway’s Precious Metals Act, section 4 – the Norwegian basis for fineness expressed per thousand by weight.
- Store norske leksikon: gold and silver marks – background on Norwegian gold and silver marks.
