Could be either. You would need to get the metal tested. You could take it to your local pawnshop for testing on the pretense of selling it.
You could try the magnet test. Hold a magnet near the gold ring. If the magnet is attracted to the ring, there are other metals included in the material. Gold itself is non-magnetic.
Extra info on 835 and 825:
835 is the purity hallmark of European silver, which is 83.5% silver and 16.5%, copper.
Then again the marks 825 on jewelry could also indicate that the piece is made from real gold and has a gold purity rating of approximately 19 karats.
If it's Silver then 825 means the amount of precious metal in the item, so 82.5%. sterling silver is often marked 925, meaning 92.5% silver. Lower quality silver may sometimes be marked 825.
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Gold colored ring with 835 mark by: Anonymous
Recently acquired an antique gold colored ring with 835 mark. What does that mark mean? Some say it's silver, some say it's gold. Can somebody help me?
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There’s more to value than the metal content by: Yvonne
Price is determined by a number of factors and identification of the red stone is critical, not to mention quality of workmanship, rarity, provenance and condition.
Best Regards Yvonne
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835 ring by: Anonymous
I have a Silver ring with redstone marked 835. Can you quote me a price?
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835 jewelry mark by: Anonymous
Hi There,
That is a very pretty necklace and charm!
The 835 mark indicates the purity mark of silver. It is alloyed to a greater extent then ".925" would be, but is still considered to be a precious metal.
