16k gold is a type of gold that is found in some antique jewelry items such as chains, rings, and pendants. Below we'll provide more detail about this gold type and how much it can be worth.
What Is 16K Gold?
16k gold is real gold with relatively high purity. 16k refers to the gold's level of purity, and it means that your item is 16 karats out of a maximum of 24 karats. It's composed of 66.7% gold and 33.3% alloy. 16k gold is the same as 667 gold.
This type of gold, while not always easy to find, is a good option for jewelry because it's durable yet it still looks great. It contains 33.3% alloy but it should be fine for those with skin sensitivity.
How to Find Markings
Markings or hallmarks are easy to spot for any type of gold piece. You should clearly see 16k or the number 667 engraved on the piece. On jewelry the number may be small and concealed, but it should still be visible.
You may encounter some other markings on your gold jewelry. For example, some pieces may be branded "16kP". This indicates that the item in question is plumb gold and is 16 karats exactly. An item labeled "G.P" is gold-plated. Similarly, jewelry labeled "G.F" is gold filled, which essentially means that it has a thicker layer of gold-plating.
The Value of Your 16K Gold
In order to get the melt value of your 16k gold piece, you'll need to multiply the total ounces of gold by the spot price of gold. We make this easy for you with our gold calculator. All you need to do is load up the calculator, select 16k from the purity dropdown box, enter the weight of your item, and then click the 'calculate' button.
It's always good to know the value of your gold item. If you were ever going to sell your item then you have a base price.
Alternatives
Gold items come in several different types of purities. Below we will review three similar alternatives to 16k gold.
14K Gold
14k gold is a popular gold type. It has 12.59% less gold content. It's more easy to find and less expensive.
15K Gold
15k gold is mostly found in antique jewelry. It has 6.3% less gold content. It's not as easy to find as other gold types.
18K Gold
18k gold, also known as 750 gold, is a popular gold type. It has 12.44% more gold content.