China & Hong Kong
China and Hong Kong stamp the metal and its fineness to national rules — and prize “chuk kam”, pure gold of 990 and above, with four-nines (9999) the cultural ideal.
In the atlas: Shuibei Jewellery Zone · Hong Kong Jade & Gold Areas
Mandatory maker's mark
Mainland China marks to the national standard GB 11887; Hong Kong requires fineness marks under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Both share a fine-gold culture prizing 999.9.
Marking required by national standard (China) / marking orders (Hong Kong).
What you'll see struck
足金 (Zú jīn)
Pure gold ≥ 990
“Chuk kam” — fine gold of 990 and above. The market norm is now 999; 9999 is bullion-grade.
Au750 / Au999
Karat gold (GB 11887)
Alloyed gold marked by metal symbol + millesimal, e.g. Au750 (18K), Au585 (14K).
S925 / Pt950
Silver & platinum
Silver as S925/Ag925; platinum Pt950; palladium Pd950 — fineness struck with the metal symbol.
Quality Gold Mark
Hong Kong (voluntary)
A voluntary scheme since 1989 (HKJGA) certifying tested fineness, alongside the compulsory marking orders. *
Fineness
- Gold (China)
- 375 · 585 · 750 · 916 · 足金 ≥990 · 999
- Silver
- 925 · 990 · 999
- Platinum
- 850 · 900 · 950 · 990
- Palladium
- 500 · 950 · 990
Decode a mark you've found
Seen a number struck inside a piece? Read what it means, and how China & Hong Kong marks it.
Heading there to buy? These district buyer's guides show how to read a hallmark at the counter, what a fair price looks like, and how to spot a fake.
- Gold and platinum marking requirements Verified
- GB 11887-2012: Jewellery - Fineness of precious metal alloys and designation Verified
- Quality Gold Mark Scheme Verified
* 千足金 (≥999) was retired by a 2016 amendment and now appears only on legacy pieces; the Quality Gold Mark logo is shown by image only.
A reference guide, not an authentication service. Marks vary by date and metal; consult the relevant assay office or standards body for definitive identification.