what does this symbol mean?
The mark 22K stamped in a small oval

22K gold (916)

The metal is 22-karat gold: 22 parts in 24 are pure gold, 916.6 in every 1,000.

How to read it

The UK’s Hallmarking Act says 22 carats indicates gold of 916·6 parts per thousand, and its hallmark strikes the figures 916 for that standard.

Also searched as: 22K, 22 karat, 916.

A stamp is a claim about the metal, made by whoever struck it. This page says what each mark means under the rules that define it; it doesn’t test or value anything.

22 or 18 in older Scottish marks

Chaffers lists the marks struck on standard gold in Scotland in his day, the first being the quality in karats, 22 or 18.

More jewellery marks

Sources

Last reviewed September 27, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research

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