What Does 565 Mean on Gold Jewelry? Explained in Simple Terms

Have you ever looked at a piece of gold jewelry and noticed a small stamp or engraving like 565? This tiny number can tell you a lot about the purity of the gold. Jewelers use these markings as a quick reference for both buyers and sellers, but if you’re new to gold buying, it can feel a bit confusing. Don’t worry — we’ll break it down step by step so you’ll know exactly what 565 means and how it impacts value, quality, and durability.

Understanding Gold Purity Marks

Gold jewelry is often marked with numbers such as 750, 585, 916, or 565. These numbers are called hallmarks or purity marks and they indicate the amount of pure gold in the piece.

Instead of writing the gold purity as a percentage, manufacturers often use a three-digit number which represents parts per thousand. This means that the number shows how many parts out of 1000 are pure gold.

So, What Does 565 Mean?

The number 565 on gold jewelry means the piece contains 565 parts of pure gold out of 1000. In simple words, that is 56.5% pure gold. The remaining 43.5% will be made up of other metals like silver, copper, zinc, or nickel which are added to make the jewelry stronger and more durable.

  • 565 gold = 56.5% pure gold
  • Other metals in the mix make it harder and more scratch-resistant
  • It is considered a type of low-carat gold compared to 14K or 18K

565 Gold in Terms of Karats

Most people are familiar with gold measured in karats (K). Pure gold is 24K (100% gold). To find the karat equivalent of 565 gold, you can use this formula:

(Purity / 1000) × 24

(565 / 1000) × 24 ≈ 13.56K

This means 565 gold is roughly equivalent to 13.5 karat gold. It’s not a common karat rating because most jewelers prefer making gold in 10K, 14K, 18K etc., but certain countries and manufacturers may produce this specific composition.

Why Jewelers Use Alloys

Pure gold is naturally soft and bends easily. If you made a ring in pure 24K gold, it could lose its shape quickly. That’s why jewelers mix gold with other metals — making an alloy — to give it more durability. For 565 gold, the higher percentage of other metals makes the jewelry:

  • More resistant to scratches and bends
  • Less expensive than higher-karat gold
  • Suitable for everyday wear

For example, if you wear a 565 gold bracelet daily, it will generally last longer without losing its form compared to a delicate 22K bracelet.

Where You Might See 565 Gold

565 gold isn’t as common as 585 (14K) or 750 (18K), but you may find it in certain regions, especially in Europe or Asia, where manufacturers tailor gold purity to specific price points or designs.

Some reasons you might encounter this gold purity:

  • Vintage jewelry: Older jewelry collections sometimes used non-standard purities.
  • Custom-made pieces: Jewelers may create specific blends to balance color and durability.
  • Export variations: Some countries have unique gold standards different from global norms.

Example for Better Understanding

Imagine you have a gold ring weighing 10 grams, stamped with 565. This means:

  • Pure gold content = 10 × 0.565 = 5.65 grams
  • Other metals = 4.35 grams

If gold sells for $60 per gram of pure gold, the gold value in your ring is approximately 5.65 × $60 = $339 (excluding craftsmanship and design costs).

Should You Buy 565 Gold Jewelry?

If you’re buying jewelry for style and everyday use rather than investment, 565 gold can be a good option. It offers a balance between price, durability, and gold content. However, for long-term investment, higher-karat gold (like 18K or 22K) usually retains value better because it contains more pure gold.

Pros:

  • More affordable than higher-karat gold
  • Durable for daily wear
  • Often has a pleasing color tone due to alloy mix

Cons:

  • Lower resale value compared to purer gold
  • May tarnish slightly over time due to alloy metals
  • Less recognized internationally than standard purities

Key Takeaways about 565 Gold

  • 565 is a hallmark meaning 56.5% pure gold
  • Equivalent to about 13.5K gold
  • Mixed with other metals for strength and durability
  • Common in certain regions or vintage jewelry pieces
  • Good for everyday wear but less ideal for pure gold investment

💡 Final Thought

When you see 565 stamped on gold jewelry, think of it as a “gold blend” — just over half pure gold and the rest metals that make it tougher and more affordable. Whether you’re buying for fashion, sentimental value, or occasional wear, knowing these purity numbers helps you make an informed choice and avoid overpaying. Always check hallmarks before purchasing, and if you’re unsure, have the piece tested by a trusted jeweler.

Gold isn’t just about shine — it’s about the right balance of beauty, durability, and value for your lifestyle.

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