Original 'yan, Saudi gold!
Every Filipino family has one. The chain from Riyadh. The ring Ate sent from Japan in the balikbayan box. The bracelet a cousin swears is "real Italian gold." ✈️ Before you believe the label, let's put it through customs. Three checkpoints, one verdict. 🛂
Checkpoint 1 of 3
Find the stamp
Look on the inside of a ring, near the clasp of a chain or bracelet, or on the back of a pendant. The stamps are tiny, so use your phone's flashlight and zoom in with the camera. Kilatis mode: on. 🔍
Checkpoint 2 of 3
Decode the number
- 999 (24K)99.9%
- 965 (about 23K)96.5%
- 916 (22K)91.6%
- 875 (21K)87.5%
- 750 or K18 (18K)75%
- 585 (14K)58.5%
- 417 (10K)41.7%
Show as table
| Item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 999 (24K) | 99.9% | Almost pure gold |
| 965 (about 23K) | 96.5% | Thai gold |
| 916 (22K) | 91.6% | Common in Dubai gold |
| 875 (21K) | 87.5% | Common in Saudi gold |
| 750 or K18 (18K) | 75% | Japan and Italian gold |
| 585 (14K) | 58.5% | Common in US gold |
| 417 (10K) | 41.7% | Tough, paler gold |
Watch out for these: Pt900 or Pt850 means platinum, not gold. GP (gold plated), GF (gold filled), and HGE (heavy gold electroplate) mean the piece is not solid gold.
Checkpoint 3 of 3
Check the passport
- Hong Kong gold99.9%
- Thai gold96.5%
- Dubai gold91.6%
- Saudi gold87.5%
- Japan gold75%
- Italian gold75%
- US gold58.5%
Typical values. The stamp always has the final say.
Show as table
| Item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong gold | 99.9% | Usually 24K, stamp 999 |
| Thai gold | 96.5% | About 23K |
| Dubai gold | 91.6% | Often 22K, stamp 916 |
| Saudi gold | 87.5% | Usually 21K, stamp 875 |
| Japan gold | 75% | Usually 18K, stamp K18 or 750 |
| Italian gold | 75% | Usually 18K, sometimes 14K |
| US gold | 58.5% | Often 14K, sometimes 10K |
Saudi and Dubai gold: rich yellow, bold designs, on the softer side. Japan gold: neat and durable, and if it says Pt900 or Pt850, congrats, that's platinum. Italian gold: famous for fine chains. Hong Kong and Thai gold: bright yellow and very soft. US gold: paler and tougher, good for everyday wear.
The country is where it came from. The stamp is what it is.
Imported vs. local: which is worth more?
Plot twist: the passport doesn't add value. Gold is worth its karat times its weight, at the current gold price. An 18K chain from Japan and an 18K chain made right here in Davao, at the same weight, have exactly the same amount of gold.
So why does imported gold feel more valuable?
- Higher karat. Saudi gold is usually 21K, so each gram has more gold than an 18K piece. That's the karat talking, not the country.
- The finish. Machine-made chains look super uniform, which reads as "premium." That's style, not gold content.
- Pasalubong feels. It came from abroad, so it feels special. Valid! But it doesn't change the gold.
And labels can fool you both ways: there are fake "Saudi gold" pieces, and low-karat pieces anywhere. The stamp is what counts. With local custom work, you choose the karat, the design, and the fit.
The verdict ⚖️
- Higher karat means richer yellow, but softer gold. 21K to 24K pieces dent, bend, and scratch more easily than 18K or 14K.
- Value comes from karat and weight, not the country. That's also why custom pricing follows the gold market. Here's what goes into the price.
- Doesn't fit, or not your style? We resize and remake 21K, 22K, and 24K gold. When you remake it, you can keep the same karat or change it. Your call. More on remaking old gold.
- Still not sure what you have? Bring it in and we'll check the karat for you.
Quick answers
Is Saudi gold real gold?
Yes. Saudi gold is usually 21K, stamped 875, which means about 87.5% pure gold. Some pieces are 22K or 18K, so check the stamp.
What karat is Japan gold?
Usually 18K, stamped K18 or 750. A Pt900 or Pt850 stamp means platinum, not gold.
Is Italian gold 18K?
Usually, stamped 750. Some Italian gold is 14K, stamped 585.
What does 750 mean on gold?
750 means 18K: 75% pure gold mixed with other metals for strength and color.
What does 916 mean on gold?
916 means 22K, about 91.6% pure gold.
Is Saudi or Japan gold more valuable than local gold?
Not by itself. Gold's value depends on its karat and weight. An 18K piece from Japan and an 18K piece made locally, at the same weight, contain the same amount of gold. Saudi gold often feels more valuable because it's usually 21K.
Can Saudi gold be resized?
Yes. Higher-karat gold is softer, so it needs careful handling. Marico Jewelry resizes and remakes 21K, 22K, and 24K gold.
How do I know what karat my gold is?
Check the stamp on the inside of a ring, the clasp, or the back of a pendant. Not sure? A jeweler can check it for you.
Gold with a mystery passport? Walk in and we'll check it. No appointment needed. Or message us on Facebook.