18K Yellow Gold Jewelry Clasp Connector Plate
Jewelry Component - Connector Plate / End Link · Yellow Gold; a classic alloy likely containing copper and silver to maintain the rich golden hue and structural durability.
Purity: 18K (750 fineness); contains 75% pure gold and approximately 25% alloy metals.
Type
Jewelry Component - Connector Plate / End Link
Purity
18K (750 fineness); contains 75% pure gold and approximately 25% alloy metals.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold; a classic alloy likely containing copper and silver to maintain the rich golden hue and structural durability.
Weight
Estimated 0.1 to 0.3 grams; extremely lightweight and thin, typical of auxiliary jewelry findings.
Description
An essential 18K gold connector plate used by jewelers to provide a secure anchoring point for clasps. This piece acts as the 'female' end of a jewelry set, allowing a hook to pass through its aperture.
Key Features
Distinctive 'K18' stamp; oblong shape with rounded ends; dual-hole design for structural versatility.
Color & Finish
Deep yellow gold color with a satin-to-polished finish. Shows minor surface scratching and typical aged gold luster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'K18' in a sans-serif font. The 'K' preceding the number is common in Japanese and Asian markets, indicating Karat.
Dimensions Estimate
Length approximately 8mm to 10mm; Width approximately 3mm; extremely thin gauge similar to a paperclip.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; basic functional metal component.
Clasp & Closure
This is a component for a closure; it features two holes designed to receive jump rings or a spring-ring/lobster-claw clasp hook.
Chain & Links
N/A; this is a flat-plate terminal connector used to finish a chain or attach a clasp to a necklace or bracelet.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck/stamped from a gold sheet; clean punching of holes with no jagged edges; standard industrial jewelry finding quality.
Authentication Indicators
The color is consistent with 18K yellow gold; the stamp depth is uniform; the edges show clean stamping without the flaking typical of plated metals.
Origin & Maker
Likely Japan or Southeast Asia based on the 'K18' (Karat first) stamping convention; maker is unknown as no logo is present.
Era & Period
Contemporary (late 20th century to present); the stamp style and machine-cut shape suggest modern manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Likely produced within the last 20-30 years based on font style and lack of heavy wear.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard of high-purity gold used in everyday fine jewelry in international markets outside the United States.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the stamp is crisp and legible. Minimal deformation around the holes and standard light micro-abrasions.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value (approx. $10-$20 depending on exact weight) plus minimal replacement cost; value increases only when attached to a full high-end piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft gold-polishing cloth; avoid heavy tension which could warp the thin gold plate.
Similar Items
18K Gold Jump Rings, Lobster Clasp Tags, or 750-stamped Eagle-head tags (French); differs by its structural plate design.
Interesting Facts
The 'K18' mark versus the '18K' mark is often an indicator of the item's manufacturing origin, frequently pointing toward Asian jewelry standards.