A modern fineness mark states how many parts per thousand of a precious-metal alloy are pure gold, silver, platinum or palladium. Divide the number by ten to convert it to a percentage: 925 means 92.5% silver, while 375 means 37.5% gold. The remainder consists of other alloying metals. Older objects may also bear karat, luoti or zolotnik marks.
In addition to the number, check for a letter and note the outline of the mark. These help identify the metal and narrow down the period in which the object was marked.
Gold fineness
Gold marks
| Mark | Period of use |
|---|---|
| 23 K | 1754–1892 |
| 20 K | 1754–1892 |
| 18 K | 1754–1892 |
| 999 | From 1998 |
| 969 | 1892–2000 |
| 916 | From 2001 |
| 875 | 1895–1968 |
| 833 | 1892–1968 |
| 750 | From 1892 |
| 585 | From 1925 |
| 375 | From 2001 |
Examples of gold marks
Silver fineness
Silver marks
| Mark | Period of use |
|---|---|
| 13, 13L | 1853–1891 |
| 84 | 1853–1891 |
| 78 | 1853–1891 |
| 925H | 1969–1972 |
| 916H | 1925–1968 |
| 875H | 1895–1968 |
| 830H | 1969–1972 |
| 813H | 1895–1972 |
| 999 | From 1998 |
| 925 | From 1973 |
| 830 | From 1973 |
| 813 | 1892–1894 and 1973–1974 |
| 800 | From 2001 |
Examples of silver marks
Platinum fineness
Platinum marks
| Mark | Period of use |
|---|---|
| 999 | From 1998 |
| 950 | From 1977 |
| 900 | From 2001 |
| 850 | From 2001 |
Example of a platinum mark
Palladium fineness
Palladium marks
| Mark | Period of use |
|---|---|
| 999 | From 2009 |
| 950 | From 2009 |
| 850 | From 2009 |
| 500 | From 2009 |
Example of a palladium mark
