What does 585 mean on jewelry?

What the mark tells you

The single most common gold standard in the US — the default for engagement rings and fine jewelry. A stamp of 583 rather than 585 usually indicates older Soviet or Eastern European origin.

You may also see it written as 14k, 14kt, 583, .585. They all mean the same thing.

What 585 is worth by weight, today

A piece stamped 585 is 58.5% gold, so at today's spot price the metal in it is worth $72.91 per gram. A buyer will offer 70–90% of that — they carry the refining cost and take a margin — and anything below about 60% is a poor offer.

Weigh the piece without stones if you can. A typical ring is 3–6 g, a 45 cm chain 8–15 g, a bangle 15–30 g. Stones, solder and springs add weight that is not gold.

Is it worth anything?

Solid gold, and the sweet spot of durability and value. Just over half the weight is pure gold.

Marks often confused with 585

Where to find it

On a ring the mark is almost always inside the band. On a chain or bracelet look at the clasp or the tag beside it; on earrings check the post or the back. Marks are tiny and often worn — a phone camera zoomed all the way in usually reads one better than your eye does.

A stamp is evidence, not proof

Marks wear down, are struck only partially, and are occasionally forged outright. If a piece is valuable enough to matter, have the metal tested rather than relying on the stamp alone. Equally, an absent stamp does not always mean an absent metal: older and handmade jewelry is frequently unmarked.