ISO 9202:2019

Overview

ISO 9202:2019 - Jewellery and precious metals: Fineness of precious metal alloys - specifies the recommended range of fineness (the “title”) for precious metal alloys used in jewellery (excluding solders). The standard defines title as the minimum content of the designated precious metal expressed in millièmes (‰) of the alloy mass, and requires that the title be stated as a minimum value with no lower tolerance. Note: national legal requirements for designation, marking and stamping (hallmarking) can apply in different countries.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Recommended fineness values for gold, platinum, palladium and silver alloys used in jewellery; solders are excluded.
• Definition: Title = minimum content of the designated precious metal, expressed in ‰ (millièmes).
• Presentation: Titles are given as minimum values; no inferior tolerance is permitted.
• Analytical methods: Determination of title must use one of the ISO test methods referenced in the standard (ISO 11210, 11426, 11427, 11490, 11494, 11495, 13756, 15093 or 15096). The standard lists recommended methods alongside each fineness value.
• Recommended fineness values (selected):
  • Gold: 333, 375, 417, 585 (ISO 11426); 750, 916, 990, 999 (ISO 11426 or ISO 15093)
  • Platinum: 850, 900 (ISO 11210); 950 (ISO 11494); 990, 999 (ISO 15093)
  • Palladium: 500 (ISO 11490); 950 (ISO 11495); 990, 999 (ISO 15093)
  • Silver: 800, 925 (ISO 11427); 958 (ISO 13756); 990, 999 (ISO 15096)
• Traceability: The standard cross-references specific analytical ISO methods for reliable, repeatable assay results (gravimetric, volumetric, ICP‑OES, etc.).

Applications and who uses it

ISO 9202:2019 is used wherever consistent specification and verification of jewellery metal fineness is required:

• Jewellery designers and manufacturers - to select alloy grades that meet industry recommendations.
• Assay offices, testing laboratories and quality control teams - to choose appropriate test methods and report title in ‰.
• Hallmarking and regulatory authorities - to harmonize marking and compliance practices (while respecting national laws).
• Retailers and brand compliance managers - to verify claims about metal content.
• Consumers and appraisers - for understanding declared fineness levels and authenticity.

Related standards

ISO 9202 references and works with specific test-method standards, including:

• ISO 11210, 11426, 11427, 11490, 11494, 11495, 13756, 15093, 15096 These provide the assay and analytical procedures for determining fineness and support accurate conformity with ISO 9202:2019.

Keywords: ISO 9202:2019, fineness of precious metal alloys, jewellery, title (‰), gold, silver, platinum, palladium, assay methods, hallmarking, ISO standards.