585 Gold vs 14K Gold: What's the Difference? A Complete Guide

If you have ever shopped for Ukrainian or European jewelry, you have probably seen "585" stamped on gold pieces. But what does it mean, and how does it compare to the 14K gold you see in American jewelry stores? Let us break it down.

What Is 585 Gold?

585 gold contains 58.5% pure gold — that is where the "585" stamp comes from. It is the European hallmark system for indicating gold purity. In the American system, this same gold purity is called 14-karat (14K) gold.

585 gold = 14K gold. They are the same thing, just measured differently.

Why Ukrainian Jewelry Uses 585 Gold

Ukraine and most of Europe use the millesimal fineness system, which expresses gold purity in parts per thousand. This is actually more precise than the karat system:

• 375 = 9K gold (37.5% gold)
• 585 = 14K gold (58.5% gold)
• 750 = 18K gold (75% gold)
• 999 = 24K gold (99.9% gold)

When you buy Ukrainian gold jewelry, you will see 585 stamped on each piece — this is your guarantee of authentic 14-karat gold.

The Signature Color of 585 Rose Gold

What sets Ukrainian 585 gold apart is its distinctive rose gold color. While American 14K gold is typically yellow, Ukrainian gold is alloyed with a higher proportion of copper, giving it that signature rosy hue.

This is not a coating or plating — it is the actual color of the gold alloy itself, which means it will never fade or wear off.

Is 585 Gold Good Quality?

Absolutely. 585 gold is the perfect balance of:

• Durability — Strong enough for everyday wear
• Gold Content — Over half the alloy is pure gold
• Value — More affordable than 18K or 24K while still being genuine gold
• Longevity — Color and quality that last a lifetime

It is the most popular gold purity in Europe for good reason.

How to Verify 585 Gold

Every piece of authentic 585 gold jewelry should have a hallmark stamp. On Ukrainian jewelry, look for:

1. "585" — The purity mark
2. Manufacturer mark — Identifying the company or workshop

At Ukrainian Jewelry, every piece comes with a quality guarantee and the 585 hallmark is verified before shipping.

Shop Authentic 585 Gold Jewelry

Ready to experience the beauty of Ukrainian 585 gold? Browse our collection — from elegant earrings to statement rings to meaningful pendants. All pieces are in stock in the USA with free shipping on orders over $100.