What does 585 mean for gold?

The number 585 is the fineness in thousandths: 585 out of 1,000 parts are pure gold, i.e. 58.5%. The same quality is called 14 karat internationally, because 24 karat means pure gold (14 out of 24 parts). You will usually find the mark as a stamp ("585" or "14K") on the inside of a ring, on the clasp of a necklace or on the lock of a bracelet.

Pure gold (999 or 24 karat) is very soft and not well suited to jewelry that is worn. That is why it is alloyed with other metals. 585 gold is harder and therefore one of the most common qualities for jewelry. Which metals are added determines the color: yellow gold and red gold contain mainly copper and silver in varying proportions, while white gold is alloyed with white metals such as palladium. For the gold value the color is not decisive, the gold content is.

Pieces stamped 583: Some pieces are stamped 583. This is also 14 karat (14 ÷ 24 = 0.583). When we buy, the tested fineness is what counts.

Important: The stamp only states the fineness, not the weight. For the value you need both.

How do you calculate the value of 585 gold?

Weight in grams × gold price per gram × 0.585 = material value

You get the gold price per gram by dividing the price per troy ounce by 31.1035, because one troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams. You can find the current price on our current gold price page.

Worked example with the price of 9 November 2026, 08:30: One troy ounce of gold cost EUR 3,671.97. Divided by 31.1035 this gives around EUR 118.06 per gram. For 585 gold, 58.5% of that is fine gold: EUR 118.06 × 0.585 = around EUR 69.07 per gram.

The weights are examples for illustration, not measured values. The material value is calculated with the price of 9 November 2026, 08:30. The gold price changes continuously; the scrap gold calculator shows an indicative buy-back figure based on the current price.

What are 333, 585 and 750 gold worth by comparison?

Why is the buy-back price lower than the material value?

The material value is a purely calculated figure based on weight, fineness and gold price. When you sell, further points come into play:

• Testing: We test fineness and weight using X-ray fluorescence analysis. The payout is based on the test result.
• Processing: Scrap gold is usually melted down and refined. Buy-back prices are therefore usually below the pure material value. How big the gap is differs from provider to provider.
• Gemstones and decorative elements: We do not buy stones, pearls and amber, and we do not remove them separately. What counts is the weight of the precious metal.
• Minimum content: We do not buy pieces with less than 30% precious metal.

For how to approach a sale overall, read our guide Selling Gold: How to Get the Best Price.

How to check your piece in three steps

1. Find the stamp: Look for "585", "583" or "14K". If there is no stamp, we will test the fineness for you.
2. Weigh it: A digital scale showing grams is enough. Weigh the piece without packaging. Stones are not deducted, so the weight is only a guide.
3. Have it calculated: Enter fineness and weight in our scrap gold calculator. It instantly shows you a non-binding indicative figure.

How do you sell 585 gold at Geiger Edelmetalle?

You have two options, both described on our scrap gold buy-back page:

• In a branch: You sell in person and are paid in cash on the spot. You can book an appointment online.
• By post as Briefgold: You calculate the value in the calculator, request a shipping bag and send in your gold. Shipping within Germany is free and insured, and payment is made to your bank account.

The test is free of charge and non-binding: after our offer, you decide whether you want to sell.

Do I have to pay tax when selling?

That depends on the individual case. Factors include the one-year holding period and the exemption limit for private disposals. We explain the rules in our guide Selling Gold and Taxes in Germany. For binding advice, contact your tax adviser or the tax office.

Summary

585 gold is an alloy of 58.5% fine gold and other metals and corresponds to 14 karat. You calculate the material value from weight, fineness and the current gold price; what you receive when you sell is the buy-back price after testing. At Geiger Edelmetalle you get a first indicative figure in the scrap gold calculator, and you can sell in a branch or by post as Briefgold.

Frequently asked questions

What is 585 gold?
585 gold is a gold alloy that consists of 58.5% pure gold. That corresponds to 14 karat. The rest is other metals such as copper, silver or palladium.

How much is 1 gram of 585 gold worth?
The material value is gold price per gram × 0.585. On 9 November 2026 at 08:30 that came to around EUR 69.07. The scrap gold calculator shows an indicative buy-back figure.

Is 585 gold the same as 14 karat?
Yes. 585 is the figure in thousandths, 14 karat the figure in twenty-fourths. Both describe gold with a fine gold content of 58.5%. Some pieces are stamped 583, which is also 14 karat.

Is white gold or red gold worth more than yellow gold?
The color itself does not change the gold value, the fineness is what counts. If white gold contains significant amounts of platinum or palladium, we pay for these additionally after testing.

What is a 585 gold ring worth?
That depends on the weight. Weigh your ring and calculate with the formula above. You will find the material value for 5 grams in the table. The scrap gold calculator shows an indicative buy-back figure when you enter the weight of your ring.

Is it worth selling broken jewelry?
As a rule, yes. With scrap gold, weight and fineness count. Whether a piece can still be worn makes no difference to the material value.

Do I receive the material value when I sell?
Not automatically. The material value is a calculated figure. You receive the buy-back price, which is set after testing and is usually below the material value.