Unstamped Gold Rings: Are They 10K?

Question
Hello,

I have two rings, one which was purchased in a store, and another my mother had made for me.  (She had a stone put in it).  Both of these bands have no markings in them.  I thought most bands were stamped 10k, 14k, or 18k.  (These bands are yellow gold).  These were purchased/made in the United States.

My question is:  Since these bands were not stamped (no markings anywhere in the bands), is there a chance they are "automatically" 10k gold?  (I don't like 10.  I prefer 14 or 18.  Just my personal preference).

Thank you for taking the time to read my question!

Beth  

Answer
Beth-
Just because there is NO stamp does not mean it is NOT gold, the stamp may have been cut out when the ring was sized or faded away from polishing the ring. If the rings are old that may be the case. The jeweler who made them may have a small casting facility and only mfg for his customers which may mean he can get away without adhering to strict guide lines for mfg in the US. Who knows?? There is a test for Karat gold, you will have to find a local jeweler who has a shop on premises and they can run a test. Today, we have digital testers which tell us what Karat the gold is or the old fashioned way by scraping the sample on a block with 10Kt and 14Kt and 18Kt samples and applying an acid to see the reactions. The main point is find a jeweler with a shop on premises and they will take it from there.
all the best
Les