18K Yellow Gold Necklace End Tab (Jump Ring Connector Tag)
Jewelry Component / Necklace Findings (End Tab) · Yellow Gold (Alloyed with silver and copper for durability and color)
Purity: 18K (75% pure gold). The 'K18' stamp is consistent with Italian and Japanese marking standards representing 750 fineness.
Type
Jewelry Component / Necklace Findings (End Tab)
Purity
18K (75% pure gold). The 'K18' stamp is consistent with Italian and Japanese marking standards representing 750 fineness.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Alloyed with silver and copper for durability and color)
Weight
0.1 to 0.2 grams. This is a very thin, lightweight finding used as a terminal for fine chains.
Description
A precision-stamped 18K yellow gold necklace end tag. This functional component is designed to be the attachment point for a jewelry clasp, providing a flat surface for a purity hallmark while ensuring a secure connection to a fine chain.
Key Features
Rounded oblong shape; double-holed configuration; clear 'K18' hallmark; high-polished yellow gold alloy.
Color & Finish
High polish finish with a rich, saturated yellow hue characteristic of high-karat 18K gold. Surface shows minor micro-abrasions consistent with light use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'K18' stamped centrally on the face. The sans-serif font and 'K' prefix are common in Asian markets (like Japan) and modern jewelry manufacturing.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: ~7mm; Width: ~2.5mm; Thickness: ~0.3mm (based on the metric ruler provided showing it spans roughly 7 scale units).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a solid metal functional component.
Clasp & Closure
End Tab Finding. This part acts as the receiving end for a spring ring or lobster claw clasp on a necklace or bracelet.
Chain & Links
N/A. This is a flat-stamped tag with two punched holes for attaching a jump ring and a clasp hook.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped from a sheet of 18K gold. The holes are punched with high precision, showing clean edges typical of industrial jewelry manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Color saturation matches 18K standards; the font and depth of the 'K18' stamp are consistent with genuine mass-produced findings; no base metal exposure (brassing) is visible on edges.
Origin & Maker
Likely manufactured in Japan or Italy. 'K18' is the standard stamp for the Japanese domestic market, though widely used internationally.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century to Present). The laser-cut or precision-stamped appearance is modern.
Age Estimate
Modern (likely produced within the last 10–20 years).
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard for luxury gold jewelry assembly where even the smallest functional components are made from precious metal to maintain a consistent karat weight for the entire piece.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. The stamp is crisp and legible, the holes are not elongated from excessive tension, and the metal shows no evidence of thinning or 'pulling'.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value (approx. $8-$14 USD based on gold spot prices), plus a small premium ($2-$5) as a replacement part for a jeweler.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water. Avoid over-polishing, as this can thin the already delicate metal and dull the hallmark.
Similar Items
14K gold end tabs (whiter/paler yellow), 18K gold jump rings (circular), or gold-filled tabs (which would show brassy wear at the punched holes).
Interesting Facts
In many countries, '18K' is stamped, but in Japan, 'K18' (Karat first) is the traditional sequence for marking gold purity.