On the inside of almost every piece of gold jewellery there is a number. It reveals how much pure gold is in the metal, and thus more about a piece than any description.
What does 585 gold mean?
The number is the fineness in thousandths. 585 means: 585 of 1,000 parts are pure gold, so 58.5 percent. The remaining 41.5 percent are other metals, mostly silver, copper or palladium.
This admixture is intentional. Pure gold is so soft that it bends and scratches easily. Only the alloy makes it firm enough to hold a stone securely for decades.
585 and 14 carat: two measures for the same thing
The carat scale divides pure gold into 24 parts. 14 carat means 14 of 24 parts, mathematically 58.3 percent. The 585 hallmark deliberately rounds up and thus guarantees at least this share.
| Hallmark | Carat | Share of fine gold |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24 | 99.9 % |
| 750 | 18 | 75.0 % |
| 585 | 14 | 58.5 % |
| 375 | 9 | 37.5 % |
| 333 | 8 | 33.3 % |
Why 14 carat for fine jewellery?
14 carat combines a high gold content with strength. The metal is harder and more scratch-resistant than 18 carat and reliably keeps fine settings and narrow bands in shape. Internationally, 14 carat is one of the most widely used standards for jewellery that is worn daily.
The jewellery by Diamonds in Glass is made in 14 carat. The gold carries the glass sphere in which a real diamond is permanently enclosed, and for that it must above all be one thing: durable.
White gold, yellow gold, rose gold: where the colour comes from
The colour comes solely from the metals with which the gold is alloyed. The gold content remains the same for all three colours.
- Yellow gold: gold with silver and copper in a balanced ratio. The classic, warm gold tone.
- Rose gold: a higher copper content colours the metal reddish. Depending on the mix it is also called pink gold, in which case the tone is lighter.
- White gold: gold with white metals such as palladium. It is often additionally rhodium-plated, which gives it its light, cool white.
Rhodium plating can wear off over the years and can be renewed by a goldsmith. If you react sensitively to certain metals, ask about the exact alloy before buying.
Where the settings are made
At Diamonds in Glass two things are made in two places. The glass sphere with the enclosed diamond is made by hand in Austria. The settings in 585 gold come from India, the centre of international jewellery manufacturing: goldsmithing has been at home there for generations, and the manufactories count among the best in the world. We say this openly because both belong to one piece.
Which gold colour suits you?
The most reliable answer lies in your jewellery box. If you mostly wear light metals, white gold will fit in naturally. If you like warm tones, choose yellow or rose gold.
At Diamonds in Glass a second decision is added, the colour of the glass. Both work together:
- White gold with black glass looks graphic and clear.
- Yellow gold with brown or white glass looks warm and soft.
- Rose gold with white or pink glass looks delicate and light.
In brief
- 585 gold contains 58.5 percent fine gold and corresponds to 14 carat.
- The alloy makes gold firm enough for fine settings.
- The colour comes from the admixture; the gold content stays the same.
- Diamonds in Glass makes its pieces in 14 carat white, yellow and rose gold.
See metal and glass colour together.
To the collection
