What does the hallmark 325 mean on gold?

Answer 1

325 hallmark is not a standard hallmark and it is not 9 karat. It might be that it is 32.5% gold inside.

9 karat gold has a hallmark of fineness 375.

8 karat gold has a hallmark of fineness 333.

Answer 2

325 is not a standard gold hallmark.

If your gold bears the number 325, then it would mean that it has a gold content of 3.25%, which is less than 9 carats. However this number is not officially used on any gold.

It is possible that due to wear over the years that the numbers have worn down. It is possible your "325" is actually the number 375 (37.5% gold content, which is 9 carat).

Or it could be the worn-down number "975" if your metal is actually sterling silver (97.5% silver). Sterling silver is often mixed with copper to make it sturdier. Over the years reacting to oxygen in the air, copper turns a brownish-yellow colour, which some people mistake for gold.

Either way, the number 325 does not exist as a gold hallmark.

Answer 3

The silver hallmark .325 indicates the percentage of silver that is found in the jewelry. Pure silver will have a stamp of .999.