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

The most popular among buyers are jewelry made of 375 and 585 gold. What is their difference? Let's try to compare these types of gold alloys.

Many may immediately wonder why gold alloys are needed in general. The need for them is explained by the fact that pure gold is not used in jewelry production due to its softness. To solve this problem, other metals are added to gold to make the alloy hard and durable.

In color, 585 gold alloy is closest to pure gold.

The fineness indicated on a gold product means the proportion of pure gold in the alloy.

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.

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.

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:

How to independently distinguish from a fake

To distinguish a 375-carat product from a fake, standard and simple rules apply, which are also used in other gold samples. The easiest way is to bite the product with your teeth. This method will allow you to clearly identify a fake 375 sample, since it is quite hard. If you see a fake, the product will bend or a small dent will appear on it.

Another simple way that will allow you to distinguish a fake from a genuine product is to use a ceramic cup. Ceramics are much stronger than any gold alloy. If you rub your item against the bottom of a cup or plate that is made of ceramic, you will be able to see a yellow mark. If you have a fake in front of you, the mark will not be yellow, but will have a black tint.

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.

Where is this precious material used?

This precious metal is used to make chains, bracelets and other jewelry. In addition, watch cases and other elegant things that require a certain strength are made from this material. This material is also used for framing stones.

The degree of aesthetics, as well as the artistic appeal of products with the 375 hallmark, practically do not differ from things with more valuable hallmarks. In other words, the beauty of jewelry is not affected by the quality of the precious material.

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.

Properties and features 375

375 standard, despite little interest in it, has its own characteristic pros and cons that you should know before deciding to purchase jewelry. Most often, the alloy (auxiliary metal alloys) includes copper and silver. In some cases, the composition may include palladium; It is also possible to add non-precious elements such as brass, zinc and nickel. The color indicates the percentage of these materials, with the following combinations possible:

• Copper - 60.5%, silver - 2%. At this ratio, the product will have a red color.
• Copper - 52.5%, silver - 10%. The red hue remains dominant, but it will be less saturated and bright.
• If there is 16% silver and 46.5% copper, the jewelry takes on a pinkish tint.

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.

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 2022 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.

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"

Read also:  The chemical element magnesium (Mg) - characteristics, structure and properties of the metal. What group of metal alloys does magnesium belong to?

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.

Silver energy

The energy of silver corresponds to the Moon. It is used to create talismans for the seven planets and more. Protection is created from misfortunes - evil rock, induced damage, the influence of bad places. The energy of well-being, monetary wealth, and health is attracted. Monday will always be a good day, because it is on this day that the influence of the planet’s patron spirits is maximum.

It's no secret that on this day people most often start a new life and give up bad habits. Favorable circumstances will help your inner aspirations to unfold. All endeavors will be successful.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of three hundred and seventy-five is called strength and wear resistance. Due to the low gold content, the alloy is not destroyed by mechanical stress. Used for everyday items, not for luxury jewelry. In the USSR it was widely used in the production of wristwatches.

Suitable for long-term wear, for example, wedding rings, bracelets. Used in:

• jewelry made of silver with gold soldering,
• production of cigarette cases,
• lighters,
• feathers for pens,
• cutlery,
• decorative furniture elements,
• picture frames

It is difficult for a non-specialist to distinguish jewelry with semi-precious stones from, for example, 585.

The disadvantage is the loss of attractiveness and low liquidity. If worn daily, the product requires regular cleaning. They do it themselves with special (cleaning paste) or homemade (ammonia, lemon juice, etc.) products or take it to a workshop for cleaning.

In case of intolerance to metals in the alloy, it causes allergies in areas of contact with the skin.

How do impurities affect quality?

Many people who are not familiar with jewelry try to study gold samples more carefully and make the right choice.
Impurities, called alloys, affect the jewelry alloy. Nowadays, jewelry is not made from pure gold, as it turns out to be too soft and sensitive to various external factors. In this regard, the approach to the issue of quality must be correct and thoughtful.

Copper alloy in large quantities (approximately 60%) imparts excessive dullness to the product, and the appearance of an unsightly red tone is noted. Gold loses its shine. Despite this shortcoming, the alloy promises to please with a high level of strength.

If the composition contains copper and silver in moderate quantities, it becomes possible to notice the appearance of a pink tint.

If you are interested in what modern gold items marked 375 look like, you can give a couple more examples:

• palladium gives a white tint;
• silver – yellow shine.

Despite the fact that the appearance of the jewelry may be attractive, the alloy of this grade is no longer used for jewelry and highly artistic decorations.

Alloy advantages:

• good strength;
• optimal wearability;
• attractive shades that appear due to additional impurities.

It is important to note that gold 375 has a bad reputation only in Russia. Young people in Western countries enjoy wearing various jewelry made from this precious alloy.

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

Reviews

Many people very often, before buying jewelry, first read reviews, look through photo galleries of jewelry stores, study customer opinions, and only then make the final choice. On the one hand, this approach can be safely considered correct, since in a store they can deceive you and tell you many different fables just to sell their products. On the other hand, you should not trust everything that is written on the Internet, and especially on forums about 375-carat gold. Reviews may be different, since you can’t please everyone, and everyone has different tastes.

But if you analyze all the responses, there will be more negative than positive, and this is all due to the only drawbacks of this sample - low quality and fragility. Even this can be argued, since everything will depend on the care of the product and if it is correct, then even a budget product with low quality can last a long time.