Gold Hallmark 10K (417)

by Tamara Doğrusözlü September 04, 2022

Before buying jewelry, many people ask themselves: "Which gold hallmark to choose?" or "Which gold hallmark is the best?" It all depends on the purpose of the jewelry and ... a budget.

Let's take a closer look at 10K (417) gold

MEANING
The fineness of 417 gold (also referred to as 10K, i.e. 10 carat gold) contains 41.7% pure gold. 10K gold hallmark is one of the lowest available contents in reputable jewelry products, and thus rings, earrings, chains, or bracelets made of 10K gold are usually the cheapest.

APPEARANCE
Importantly, at first glance, 10K gold does not differ in appearance at all from higher-quality gold. The gleaming layer of 10K gold is a thin electroplated coating with a more intense orange-red color underneath.

FEATURES AND PROPERTIES
Jewelry made of 10K gold is distinguished by:
Lowest price: compared to 14K (585) and 18K (750) gold.
High durability: in relation to gold 14K (585) and 18K (750) it shows higher resistance to mechanical damage, such as scratches.
All colors: 10K gold can be yellow, white or pink - its color depends on the additives used in the alloying process.
Less brittleness compared to gold with higher fineness: thanks to this advantage, 10K gold works very well with heavier jewelry.
It changes color easier than 14K (585) gold: 10K (417) gold may (but does not have to) gently change color over time in response to strong perfumes, sweat, or aggressive detergents. In order for the 10K gold to regain its original appearance and shine, cleaning in a jewelry workshop is usually required.

WHAT DOES 10K HALLMARK OF GOLD MEAN?

The fineness of gold is the content of a metal in its alloy, expressed in numbers or carats? This is why an alloy with 41.7% pure gold is commonly referred to as "417" or "10K". Of course, these values are unified and valid all over the world.

WHERE IS THE STAMP OF GOLD ON JEWELRY?
The stamp of gold is usually found on the inside of rings, and on the fastenings of bracelets, necklaces or chains.

Check out our catalog of 10K yellow and white gold men's rings