Glossary term
Fineness
Gold or silver purity expressed in parts per thousand, such as 916 or 750.
Fineness states the proportion of precious metal in an alloy in parts per thousand. Gold of 916 fineness contains 91.6% gold (equivalent to 22 karat); 750 equals 18 karat; 585 equals 14 karat. Sterling silver has a fineness of 925.