750 gold is 18-karat solid gold, 75% pure gold by weight. The 750 stamp is the international fineness mark used to verify it.
If you've found or bought a "750" stamp on a piece of jewelry, you're holding real 18K gold. Here's exactly what the number means and why it's stamped on the piece.
The math behind 750
Gold purity in international convention is expressed in parts per 1,000.
- 24K gold = 1000 parts per 1000 = pure gold (stamped 999 in practice)
- 18K gold = 750 parts per 1000 = 75% pure gold = 750
- 14K gold = 585 parts per 1000 = 58.5% pure gold = 585
- 10K gold = 417 parts per 1000 = 41.7% pure gold = 417
So when you see "750" stamped on a piece, it means the metal is 75% pure gold by weight. The remaining 25% is an alloy, typically copper, silver, palladium, or zinc, added to give the piece the structural strength to be worn daily.
Why "750" instead of "18K"?
Two number systems, same purity. The world uses both:
- "750" is the international fineness mark, preferred in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and most of the world.
- "18K" (or "18KT") is the American/British convention based on karat fractions.
A piece stamped 750 is identical in purity to a piece stamped 18K. They're two ways of saying the same thing.
Italian, French, Greek, and Lebanese jewelers almost always use the 750 stamp. American jewelers often stamp both. British jewelers may use "18ct" (older spelling of karat). Don't be confused by the different markings, they all mean the same 75% pure gold.
For the broader hallmark decoder covering every stamp you'll see on jewelry, read every gold hallmark, decoded.
Where you'll find the 750 stamp
The stamp is tiny, usually 1–2 millimeters across, and stamped where it doesn't interfere with the design but can be verified by anyone who looks closely.
- Rings: inside the band
- Necklace chains: on the clasp or a small tag near the clasp
- Pendants: on the back or on the bail
- Earrings: on the post (studs) or inner curve (hoops)
- Bracelets: on the clasp
You may need good light and a magnifying glass to see it clearly. Italian pieces often carry a small diamond-shaped maker's mark alongside the 750 stamp, a legally registered identifier of the goldsmith who made the piece.
Every Ange Hadid piece is stamped 750 or 18K.
Why hallmarks exist
In most of the world, hallmarking gold jewelry isn't optional, it's the law. Italian, French, British, and EU regulations require that any gold jewelry sold be stamped with a fineness mark verifying its purity. Falsifying or omitting the stamp on solid gold is a regulated offense.
In the US, hallmarking laws are looser. The FTC requires that pieces sold as "gold" be at least 10K, but stamping the karat on the piece isn't always mandatory the same way it is in Europe. This is one reason European-made and European-imported jewelry tends to be more reliably hallmarked than US-made pieces.
The takeaway: if a piece carries a clean 750 stamp from a maker who can verify their identity, that piece is genuinely 18K solid gold.
Is 750 gold real gold?
Yes, 750 gold is 18K solid gold, the global benchmark for genuine fine jewelry. Three-quarters of the metal is pure gold. The 25% alloy is what makes the piece durable enough to wear every day. This is the same category of gold used by every serious fine jewelry brand worldwide. For the broader question, see is 18K gold real gold.
The bottom line
750 = 18K = 75% pure gold. Three names for the same thing, three legitimate ways to verify your piece is real 18K solid gold. The 750 stamp is the international standard, the version of the mark you'll see most often outside the US.
If your jewelry is stamped 750, it's the real thing. The only remaining questions are about pricing, alloy composition, and craftsmanship, which we cover in the complete guide to 18K solid gold jewelry.
FAQ
What does 750 mean on a gold chain?
It means the chain is 18-karat gold, 75% pure gold by weight. The 750 stamp is the international fineness mark verifying this purity.
Is 750 gold the same as 18K?
Yes. 750 (parts per 1,000) and 18K (parts per 24) are two number systems describing the same purity: 75% pure gold.
Is 750 gold more valuable than 14K gold?
Yes, 750 gold (18K) contains roughly 28% more pure gold per gram than 14K. It has higher intrinsic value, sells closer to higher melt value, and is more tarnish-resistant.
Why does my gold say 750 instead of 18K?
Because the 750 stamp is the international standard. Most European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and South American jewelers use it. American pieces may use 18K, 18KT, or both. They all mean the same purity.
Can 750 gold tarnish?
No, solid 750 gold is highly tarnish-resistant. The 75% pure gold content keeps it bright. It can dull slightly over years if not cleaned but won't oxidize the way silver or copper does.
How can I verify my 750 gold is real?
Three checks: confirm the 750 stamp is present, test with a magnet (gold isn't magnetic, a magnet should not stick), and have it tested at a jeweler if you have doubts. An electronic gold tester takes about 30 seconds and gives a definitive answer.
