375 gold standard - difference from 585, what is the difference: composition, characteristics, price per 1 gram, selection rules, customer reviews about the quality of the metal

Good day!

Almost every one of us wears jewelry. The cost of the product also plays a decisive role in the choice of metal, inserts and design. Today we’ll figure it out: 375 gold – what it is and why customer reviews are often full of unflattering comments, although it is the most inexpensive alloy. Is a cheap precious metal really that bad or can it quite successfully replace more expensive “trinkets”? Let's figure it out together.

Sample 375 - what kind of metal

So, 375 gold – what is it?

The value “375” indicates that only 37.5% of the product’s mass is pure gold. Everything else is various impurities.

This low precious metal content is compensated by the increased wear resistance of the entire alloy. Additives in the form of palladium, copper or silver ensure that jewelry marked 375 is not as susceptible to deformation as products of purer grades.

Sample 375
There are several variations of this low-grade gold; they have slight differences in properties and different shades.

375 gold standard is equal to 36 spools. There is only one alloy in the world that contains even less pure precious metal - this is sample 333.

585 gold

An alloy of 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts metals such as silver, copper, zinc or nickel.

In percentage terms, the alloy contains 58.3% pure gold, so you can often see the numbers 583 or 585 on products. But most often, products made from this gold alloy are marked with 14K, 14KT, 14k or similar designations.

Quality

The main difference is the amount of gold in the alloy. The 375 material is of poorer quality because it contains 37.5% gold. In alloy 585 the share of gold is 58.5%, so it is of higher quality.

Strength

The more gold in the metal, the worse its strength. Therefore, 375 gold is stronger than 585 gold. Naturally, this is not as noticeable as we think, but it is true.

Price

The cost also depends on the volume of precious metal in the alloy. Therefore, the larger the sample, the more the jewelry costs. Accordingly, products of 375 standard are less expensive than similar products from more valuable samples. But the difference in the cost of products of 375 and 585 samples is not large, because their price includes the work of jewelers, taxes and markups of intermediaries, etc.

SampleMarket pricePrice in jewelry storesPurchase price

beauty

Both alloys allow jewelers to create unique creations using advanced metalworking techniques.

There is an opinion that jewelry with the 375 mark darkens and becomes dull after some time, unlike products 585, but it must be said that such changes can occur in any jewelry, regardless of the amount of gold in its composition.

Table: Comparison of 375 and 585 samples, what is the difference

In order to see all the differences between these alloys, it will be convenient to use the table:

What to choose: 375 or 585 gold

• It is impossible to say for sure which type of gold alloy is better. When choosing, there are many factors to consider, as well as individual preferences. If you want everyday jewelry that you will wear all the time, then it is better to opt for a product made from 375 gold - it is harder and more scratch-resistant. A ring made of 585 gold will wear out faster and become scratched if worn constantly. An additional advantage is the lower price of products made from 375 gold alloy.
• As noted above, diamond jewelry is typically made from at least 585 gold alloy.
• If you are allergic to nickel, it is best to avoid jewelry made from 375 gold and opt for jewelry made from 585 gold or a higher purity alloy.
• As for appearance, it’s up to you to decide which of these types of gold looks more attractive, and whether it’s worth paying extra for a higher standard.

Applications of gold 375

375 alloy was very popular during the Soviet era, second only to 583. This precious metal was used to make not only jewelry, but also gift items, watches, and some household items.

Gradually, the popularity of this alloy fell; buyers in Russia preferred the 585 and 750 markings.

Return of samples to the jewelry world

Now 375 the precious metal is returning to jewelry shelves, and there is a noticeable demand for jewelry made from this alloy. It is possible that this is largely due to the economic situation around the world.

Benefits of sample 375

Year after year, sample 375 remains in the assortment of jewelry stores, as it has a number of undeniable advantages. Among them:

High durability of products for every day

The increased content of alloy makes the gold alloy hard and durable. The appearance of accidental scratches on the precious metal is practically impossible.

Purchasing a ring made of such gold for everyday wear will be a very practical solution.

Ring 375

Affordable price

The price of precious alloys depends entirely on the purest gold content. 375 sample is the most accessible for all segments of the population.

How is the 375 different from the 585?

The main difference is the gold content of 58.8% and 37.5%. The quality of the second alloy is lower. This is reflected in liquidity, price, and operating conditions.

The 585 keeps an attractive appearance and does not need cleaning. The 375 is cleaned regularly.

Composition and strength

Alloy components provide strength to the substance, since gold itself is too soft. Metal with a purity of 375 has greater hardness and is much less susceptible to deformation and abrasion.

Low-grade 375 gold appears slightly duller than the purer 585 alloy, but this becomes noticeable when compared closely. Depending on the composition, its shade can vary from red to cream and pale yellow.

With a decrease in purity, the metal’s resistance to oxidation also decreases - products made from a low-quality alloy darken, can leave marks on the skin and cause allergic reactions.

Appearance and features of the brand

For alloys of different purities, the Assay Office in Russia uses the same type of mark - a female profile in a kokoshnik. Only the digital value differs in accordance with the composition of the metal to which it is applied.

Difference between different purity grades

In Russia, the metric system for testing alloys is used; abroad you can often find gold products with a karat designation of metal purity.

A precious souvenir with a 9K stamp corresponds to the 375th, 14K – 585th gold standard, respectively.

Differences in GOST standards and quality

The quality of gold alloys is regulated by GOST 6835-2002 and is strictly observed. Metal produced with irregularities must be melted down. According to the regulatory document, precious metals 375 and 585 are three-component compositions of gold, copper and silver, in which ligature occurrences are presented in different proportions depending on the grade.

Varieties that are used for making jewelry.

Price and demand

The cost of gold is higher, 585 is always higher. Today, the price per gram of alloy with the 585 mark is around one and a half thousand rubles. Metal marked 375 is valued at just under a thousand per gram.

If you purchase jewelry in a jewelry store, the price will be influenced by the cost of work on making the jewelry, which depends not on the alloy, but on the complexity of the execution.

The demand for precious metal is dictated by fashion. In Russia, the most popular jewelry is 585-karat; in the United States, some European countries readily use jewelry with a purity of 9 carats (analogous to grade 375); in Italy, they give preference to other, purer varieties. And Arab fashionistas prefer pure gold.

Disadvantages of sample 375

Well-known disadvantages of labeling include the following criteria:

Unaesthetic appearance

Due to the fact that the alloy contains only 37.5% pure gold, it is inferior to higher grades in external characteristics. Its shades are not so bright, it sparkles less intensely in the sun.

Moreover, without proper care, such products may begin to become covered with dark marks.

Low product status

The reality is that 375 gold does not have the status and prestige that higher grades have. This is another reason why ordinary people prefer other alloys.

Not suitable for investment

Products made from 375 precious metals are sometimes refused to be accepted even in purchases. This means that the alloy is not suitable for saving and increasing capital.

Tips for choosing gold jewelry

When purchasing gold items made from low-grade precious metals, you must use the same rules as when choosing more expensive alloys. The color of the product, its design and appearance are the key parameters of jewelry. And, of course, do not forget to check the presence of markings on the product, which will confirm the quality of the sample.

Reviews

Marina:

“Unknowingly, I bought a pendant and chain a couple of years ago. At first it looked normal, after a month the color became darker. And after 2-3 months, black stains appeared on the body. Now they are in the box.”

Sveta:

“Gold is not bad for its price. If you clean it and don’t get into water with it, the shine will last for a long time.”

Luda:

“My husband gave me an engagement ring, but I rarely wear it so as not to spoil it. Too much hassle with cleaning"

The cost of 1 gram of gold on the exchange and calculation of the price for the corresponding sample

To determine the current cost of any sample, you need to multiply the current price of the highest alloy by the required coefficient (for example, by 0.375).

If you look at the stock exchange, then in 2021 prices for one gram of the purest precious metal vary around 4,200 rubles. Then the cost of 1 gram of 375 sample can be calculated as follows:

4200*0.375 = 1575 rubles.

For other labels the following prices per gram will be relevant:

Pricing factors from the Central Bank to the pawnshop

Prices are calculated by the Central Bank of Russia, based on the prices of the main UK exchange. The current quote for other alloys will depend on the cost of the purest 999 purity. On the stock exchange, the symbol for gold looks like this: “ХАУ”.

Jewelry stores are based on exchange prices, but set their own prices for the goods. The markup can be minimal or 100%; it entirely depends on the company’s policy. Prices for products from one jewelry chain may vary depending on the region.

Pawnshops always accept items several times cheaper than their original cost. The price largely depends on the appearance of the item and its rarity.

Gold jewelry from a pawnshop

Why is there no demand in Russia for a sample of a “gold-containing alloy”

There is every reason to believe that this situation is explained by the mentality of Russian buyers. Our compatriots can avoid Z75 alloy, guided by the rule “the cheaper, the worse.”

However, this logic is not always correct. Low-grade gold can be the best choice for everyday jewelry, household items, and gift items.

Abroad, mainly in Europe, there are no such prejudices. They often give preference to low standard, rightly considering it more durable. In the German jewelry industry, there is even a 333 alloy, the content of pure gold in which is even less.

What causes the appearance of a gold item to deteriorate and leaves marks?

Any piece of jewelry needs constant care. Its absence will inevitably lead to a deterioration in appearance, the appearance of plaque, and loss of shine.

Gold products should be protected from exposure to aggressive acids, alkalis, and household chemicals.

375 gold can really leave dark marks on the skin. This is due not only to the high copper content in the composition, but also to the reaction of the jewelry to cosmetics and lack of regular care.

Also, 375 gold can react with nitrogen, which is released by human skin when sweating. This exposure results in dark marks.

Alloy Application

Several decades ago, 375 alloy was used everywhere in the manufacture of gold jewelry. Due to the high ductility and strength of the material, even men's and women's wristwatches were made from it. Over time, the popularity of 375 sample fell, giving way to a higher quality alloy - 585.

Today, sample 375 is again coming into use in Russia. It is used primarily for making wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, chains and pendants.

Products are often complemented with semi-precious stones. With proper care, they are visually virtually indistinguishable from jewelry with a higher gold content.

Rules for caring for gold

There are a number of rules and recommendations, the observance of which will preserve the original appearance of gold items.

Caring for a gold ring

TOP 5 rules for wearing 375 gold

Let's consider the basic rules for wearing products.

1. Household chemicals contain many components that can react with the alloy. Therefore, jewelry should always be removed before cleaning, washing dishes, or manicuring. You can use rubber gloves for cleaning.
2. You should remove jewelry made from this metal before visiting the pool, sauna, or shower.
3. You should not store gold jewelry in cardboard boxes; their surface is treated with a sulfur-containing compound, which causes the precious metal to darken.
4. Jewelry should be cleaned regularly. The procedure can be performed at home, but if the product has hard-to-reach areas, then the best solution would be to visit a jewelry workshop.
5. The precious metal must be protected from contact with any grinding materials.

TOP 5 ways to clean products at home: professional products and folk recipes

If it is not possible to visit a jewelry workshop, then jewelry can be cleaned in the following ways:

1. The method is suitable for lightly soiled products. The decoration will need to be wiped with 9% vinegar, left for 20 minutes, then rinsed with running water. After drying, the product can be polished with a suede cloth.
2. For deeper cleaning, you will need to mix 20 drops of mild liquid soap and 15 drops of ammonia in 200 ml of warm water. The product must be immersed in the resulting solution for 12 hours. After drying, it is also recommended to polish the jewelry.
3. You can use special jewelry cleaning products: paste, wipes, gels.
4. The following two methods are suitable for heavily soiled products. In a prepared container, mix 250 ml of running water with 3 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and a spoon of mild soap. The decoration should be left in the solution for half an hour.
5. You will need to add two teaspoons of ammonia and three teaspoons of baby washing powder to 250 ml of boiling water. The decoration should be left in the solution for 4 hours.

Important! When polishing jewelry with soft cloths, only apply light pressure to the metal.

Caring for a 375 gold ring

TOP 5 tips for storing 375 gold jewelry

Gold works require special storage conditions.

1. The storage place should be dry and dark. High humidity will cause the product to tarnish.
2. You can put moisture-absorbing items inside the storage box: chalk, activated carbon, dried gel (bags with it are placed in shoe boxes).
3. It is better to choose wooden cases for storing gold items.
4. Store gold separately from silver; the soft, solar metal is easy to scratch.
5. Also, bags from a jewelry store are suitable for storage. Bags should be tightened to prevent jewelry from accidentally falling out or getting lost.

Why does this sample attract buyers?

Jewelry connoisseurs who want to wear precious stones set in gold willingly buy metal of this standard. They are not concerned with the question of what percentage will be in the noble metal into which the precious stone they are interested in will be set. Such jewelry fans are interested in other questions. Will the shine of the metal disappear? How long will a beautiful stone hold on as thin tendrils or is there a risk of losing it?

Thanks to the use of precisely adjusted proportions of impurities, which provide jewelry with increased wear resistance, jewelry owners will not have to be upset by the sight of chips, scratches and surface deformation. Even the thinnest 375 bases, decorated with miniature details, will forever retain their original appearance.

Existing assays and uses of the precious metal

The higher the standard, the heavier and more plastic the decoration. Soft metal is subject to deformation, and its shine disappears due to numerous scratches.

375 has many advantages. It does not change color, does not wear off, does not fade. It is light and does not add extra weight to the jewelry. The noble metal in such an alloy holds stones well. Jewelry is strong and durable.

How to choose real gold

First of all, you should pay attention to the presence of a mark. The print itself must be clear, readable, and not blurred. Its absence can indicate both a fake and the fact that the jewelry was made in a country where hallmarking of jewelry is not mandatory.

You definitely shouldn’t buy jewelry second-hand, the risk of encountering a fake is too great. When purchasing, you need to carefully read the product description on the tag and inspect it for defects.

By purchasing jewelry from certified stores, you are guaranteed to purchase real precious metals.

Some interesting facts about sample 375

The alloy has a rich history: it was used to create jewelry in Tsarist Russia and the USSR, it does not lose popularity abroad, and a wide variety of household items are cast from it.

By the way, sometimes you can see information about 373 and 376 markings. Such precious metals are not provided for in any country. If they are trying to sell you “exclusive” gold, then most likely they are trying to deceive you.

Sample 375 is officially the lowest standard in Russia

It is with this alloy that the increasing gradation of purity established by GOST begins. 375 gold is the lowest and cheapest standard of precious metal.

An underrated alloy: strength and wear resistance

The opinion that the alloy is of poor quality and will quickly become unusable is erroneous. If this judgment had any basis, the sample would have been discontinued long ago.

The increased strength achieved by the increased alloy content ensures durability of products made from this alloy.

Popularity of the sample abroad

Low-grade gold has an excellent reputation abroad; alloy 375 is popular among the population of Germany, the USA and a number of other European countries.

This is due to the fact that buyers are guided by the practical side of the issue, and are also not subject to prejudices about the low quality of 375 labeling.

On foreign products of this alloy you can see the designation “9K”. Abroad they prefer the carat system to the metric system.

375 gold: customer reviews about quality

My review will be negative. The gold standard 375 quickly darkens, I was convinced of this personally when I wore a ring made of this metal. Its main difference is its low gold content. It was not possible to sell the jewelry profitably, so I sold it at a discount store for next to nothing.

Dmitry N. g, Moscow

Valery Ts., Lvov

It became interesting what kind of 375 gold is sometimes found in the alloy of jewelry. It turned out that it was a good metal, very strong. The only drawback is that it may darken, but this can be easily eliminated with the help of household items. I plan to buy myself a bracelet made of this metal for everyday wear.

I remember how I wanted to buy a 376 sample - the store had a good laugh. There is no such alloy, but there are 375! I bought a ring for my thumb and I still wear it. They warned that low-grade gold sometimes turns black, but I did not notice this in my jewelry.

Andrey V., Omsk

For what purpose was the sampling system introduced?

Gold in its pure form is characterized by softness and a dull color of an indefinite shade. It is easily bent, deformed, and loses its shine. Jewelry made from such metal will have an unpresentable appearance.

To give it a certain density and shade, various alloys are used in the jewelry industry. Control and regulation of this process is entrusted to government agencies. To determine the amount of precious metal in alloys, a sampling system was introduced.

In Russia there is a law according to which if products produced in industry contain 30% gold, they must be branded. The most famous gold samples are 375.585, 750.958.

These numbers determine the measure of gold included in 1 kg of the alloy. If there is no mark on this product, this may indicate that the item was made illegally. It is impossible to be sure that it is of high quality and purity.