What does 916 mean on jewelry?
916 means 22K · 91.6% gold (Gold). Solid precious metal
Solid gold, very high value — often bought as a store of wealth rather than as fashion. At today's price the metal is worth about $114.16 per gram.
What the mark tells you
The Indian and South Asian gold standard, and the basis of BIS hallmarking in India. Also common across the Middle East.
You may also see it written as 22k, 22kt, 917, .916. They all mean the same thing.
What 916 is worth by weight, today
A piece stamped 916 is 91.6% gold, so at today's spot price the metal in it is worth $114.16 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.
| Weight | Metal value | Likely offer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 g | $114 | $80 – $103 |
| 3 g | $342 | $240 – $308 |
| 5 g | $571 | $400 – $514 |
| 10 g | $1,142 | $799 – $1,027 |
| 20 g | $2,283 | $1,598 – $2,055 |
| 50 g | $5,708 | $3,996 – $5,137 |
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, very high value — often bought as a store of wealth rather than as fashion.
Marks often confused with 916
| Mark | Means | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 375 | 9K · 37.5% gold | Solid metal |
| 417 | 10K · 41.7% gold | Solid metal |
| 585 | 14K · 58.5% gold | Solid metal |
| 750 | 18K · 75% gold | Solid metal |
| 875 | 21K · 87.5% gold | Solid metal |
| KP | Karat plumb — exact | Solid metal |
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.
Found something real? Value it
If the piece is solid metal or holds a stone, see what it is actually worth — both at retail and what you would genuinely be offered for it.
Value my jewelry