Identifying Gold Purity: Understanding Anchor & K Markings on Antique Jewelry

Question
I have an antique child's ring set with garnets. I'm trying to identify the gold. The only marking is on the inside band. There's an anchor and a "K" -- but that's it. Do these two markings indicate the amount of gold in the ring?

Answer
Hi Marie, Most of the antique rings that I have appraised in the last 30 years from the UK (the anchor) are made in a low karat level, like 6,8,9 or 10 karat gold. The K you refer to is most likely this quality mark with the numerical designation worn off. Best bet is to take the ring to a Jeweler and have him acid test the gold for its purity. Good luck. it sounds like an adoreable item.

Steve Kretser