Overview
ISO 10713:2025 provides clear specifications and vocabulary for gold alloy coatings used in jewellery and decorative items. The standard covers both rolled gold (mechanically applied) and gold plated (electrolytic, chemical or other non-mechanical) coatings by defining minimum mass or thickness requirements and a uniform fineness requirement. It excludes watch-cases and permanently attached bracelets.
This edition updates coating thickness requirements, measurement methods, vocabulary, and marking guidance to support consistent quality control and trade practices.
Key Topics
- Scope and applicability: Applies to gold and gold alloy coatings on precious and non-precious jewellery and general decorative items; excludes watch-cases and their permanently attached accessories.
- Fineness requirement: Minimum gold alloy fineness of 585 parts per thousand (‰) for both rolled and plated coatings.
- Rolled gold classifications (GR):
- GR 1/5, GR 1/10, GR 1/20, GR 1/40
- Defined by minimum fraction of total article mass composed of gold alloy (for example GR 1/20 means at least 1/20 of the article's mass).
- Gold plated classifications (GP):
- GP 5, GP 3, GP 1, GP 0.5, GP 0.2, GP 0.1
- Defined by minimum coating thickness in micrometres (µm), e.g. GP 1 = at least 1 µm.
- Testing and measurement:
- Thickness and fineness measurements shall use methods described in ISO 3160-2.
- Reference analytical methods include cupellation, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XPS and SEM/EDS; choose the most appropriate technique for accurate measurement.
- Marking:
- Rolled gold articles must be marked with the GR classification (maker's/responsibility mark also required).
- Gold plated marking is optional; if marked, use GP classification.
- Tolerance: Negative tolerances are not permitted. Results are assessed as Pass or Fail against the specified minima.
Applications
ISO 10713:2025 is intended for manufacturers, platers, assay offices, importers, retailers and quality managers who need:
- A standard classification system for rolled gold and gold plated jewellery.
- Clear acceptance criteria for coating thickness, mass fraction, and fineness to support quality control and commercial transparency.
- Test and marking guidance to ensure conformity and simplify buyer–seller communication (buyers should specify base metal and required classification number when ordering coatings).
Related Standards
- ISO 3160-2: Referenced for the determination of fineness, thickness, corrosion resistance and adhesion and for test methods used to measure coatings.
For implementation and legal considerations, consult national hallmarking and assay regulations which may supplement or supersede marking requirements in specific jurisdictions.