Client asks - What is 9k on gold?

Please keep your questions coming so we can all share in the information.

QUESTION..?

I have a gold necklace that has been passed down to me and I am trying to find out what it is made of, there are no hallmarks on it but the lobster clasp has a tiny 9k stamped on to it.

Is it real gold? Can you help. Kind Regards

ANSWER..!

G'day and many thanks for your query

The 9K is the American - Asian - International Hallmark for 9 carat gold, but because it has a 'K' it shows it was NOT made in Great Britain or any of the British Colonies (such as Australia).

As I don't know where you live, I'm going to assume you are in the States, so this is normal.

In some countries they use 'K' for Karat (or carat) to differentiate between gold quality and gemstone weight - which confusingly is also a measurement in carats.

So 'K' or 'Kt' is for Karat Gold and 'c' or 'ct' is also for carat gold - while 'carats' is a weight measurment for gems.

Hope all this helps.

You might like to take it to your local 'FRIENDLY' jeweler who will check it for you at no charge, if they are 'Good' Jewelers. If they want to charge - Find another one!