What Does 375 Mean on Gold Jewellery?

You've spotted a tiny 375 stamped on a ring or pendant and wondered what it means. It's a good sign, that little number is one of the ways real gold tells you exactly what it is. Here's the simple explanation.

375 Means 9 Carat Gold

Gold purity is measured as parts per thousand. A 375 mark means the piece contains 375 parts pure gold per 1,000, in other words, 37.5% pure gold. That's the standard fineness for 9 carat (9K) gold.

The remaining ~62.5% is a blend of harder alloy metals, usually copper, silver and zinc, added to make the gold strong enough to wear every day. Pure gold on its own is very soft, so all wearable gold is alloyed to some degree.

Is 375 Gold Real Gold?

Yes. 375 is genuine, solid gold, just at 37.5% purity rather than a higher grade. It isn't gold-plated and it isn't imitation; it's real gold all the way through. In India, 9 carat gold became a BIS-recognised hallmark grade in 2025, so a hallmarked 375 piece also carries the BIS logo and a unique HUID number as third-party proof.

How 375 Compares to Other Gold Marks

You'll see these fineness numbers on hallmarked gold, here's what each one means:

So 375 is the entry point of solid gold: the most affordable and, thanks to its higher alloy content, one of the most durable and scratch-resistant grades to wear.

Where You'll See the 375 Mark

Look in a discreet spot, the inside of a ring band, the back of a pendant, or the clasp of a chain. A genuine hallmark will show the 375 number alongside the BIS logo and HUID. If a piece is sold as gold but carries no fineness mark at all, treat that as a reason to ask questions.

Is 375 Gold Worth Buying?

If you want real, hallmarked gold you can wear every day at the most accessible price, yes. It's harder-wearing than higher karats and far kinder to the budget. If you're buying primarily for resale or investment value, a higher grade holds more gold. Both are valid; it depends on what you want the piece to do.

See what 375 gold looks like in the Ornate Jewels 9K gold collection, or read our full 9K gold jewellery guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 375 mean on gold? It means 9 carat gold, 375 parts pure gold per 1,000, or 37.5% pure gold, with the rest being alloy metals for strength.

Is 375 gold real gold? Yes. It's genuine solid gold at 37.5% purity, and in India it can be BIS hallmarked with the 375 mark and a HUID number.

Is 375 the same as 9K? Yes. 375 is the fineness mark for 9 carat (9K) gold.

Is 375 gold good quality? It's real, durable and hallmarked. It has less pure gold than higher grades (so lower resale value), but it's harder-wearing and more affordable, excellent for everyday jewellery.

What's better, 375 or 916 gold? They serve different purposes. 916 (22K) has far more pure gold and higher resale value but is softer; 375 (9K) is more affordable and more durable for daily wear.