Are you shopping for gold jewelry and wondering what exactly 14k gold means? Is it different from 10k or 18k gold? Is 14k gold an expensive option, or is it worth buying? Let’s get straight to the point!
14k gold is one of the most durable and beautiful metals that looks completely stunning and classy. It is not only perfect for regular fine jewelry but is an ideal choice for an engagement ring, earrings, and pendants as well. Available in three major colors, yellow, rose, and white, 14k gold is a modern fashion material that you may choose based on your skin tone or your personal preference.
The Definition of 14k Gold
14 karat gold is a combination of gold and some durable alloy metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc. As gold is originally a soft, naturally occurring element to strengthen its composition, these alloy metals are used with it.
It contains 58.3 percent of pure gold, and hence, it is considered the best choice for people with alloy sensitivities. When the percentage of pure gold is higher, the risk for skin irritation and other related allergies is lower, hence making it more allergy-friendly. It looks classic and perfect for daily wear jewelry.
14 karat is long-lasting, nice-looking, and is definitely a real gold. Pure gold (also known as 24k gold) is quite pulpy and soft. It can easily be scratched or damaged. This is why 14 karat gold is usually used to create fine pieces of jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, bands, etc.
It is usually the best type of gold for an engagement ring. We will explain this concept in detail in the below sections.
The Misconception of Carat and Karat
When it comes to gold or gemstones, we are often confused by talking about carat and karat. Let me explain very clearly: although carat and karat can describe different types of jewelry, they are used to measure entirely different things.
A carat (equals to 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams) refers to a weight unit that may describe gemstones, for example, pearls or diamonds. On the other hand, represented by k, a karat describes the level of Purity of gold. In other words, it represents the amount or percentage of gold that is present in a certain piece of jewelry.
This percentage of gold (karat) has a great impact on the appearance and longevity of jewelry. In short, karat does matter when it comes to the appearance of the gold.
Before investing in gold jewelry, it is important to determine the balance between gold percentage and the appearance and longevity of jewelry!
14k Purity
As mentioned earlier in this post, pure gold is extremely soft, so it is not practical to use pure gold every day. To make it be worn every day, certain metals are used with the gold along with a rhodium plating. These may include zinc, copper, silver, and nickel.
If we talk about the purity level of the gold, it is expressed in 24 ths, also known as karatage (denoted by k). In 24k gold, the purity level of the gold is 100 percent, while in 14k gold, it is 58.3 percent, in 18 k, the purity level is 75 percent, and in 10 k gold, it is just 41.6 percent.
Gold Purity Chart
| No. of Karats | Gold Purity (Percentage) |
| 24 karat gold | 100 % |
| 22 karat gold | 91.7 % |
| 18 karat gold | 75 % |
| 14 karat gold | 58.3 % |
| 10 karat gold | 41.6 % |
If you want to shop for an engagement ring, wedding ring, or another piece of gold jewelry, you can easily get to know its purity level. If you are buying online or from a certain store, a tag or description of the jewelry piece may help you identify purity level.
There are other ways by which you can identify a 14k gold. One of the traditional yet easy ways to check gold purity is to consider the hallmark. Hallmark is a stamp that usually lists the metal mixture used in a jewelry piece.
In most countries, a gold stamp or hallmark is not used; instead, a karatage of the jewelry piece is marked on the packaging. For example, in the United States, to sell a gold piece, there is no need to attach a stamp with it that shows its purity level.
While buying gold jewelry, several factors must be kept in view. These may include metal purity, price, durability, quality, and skin sensitivity level of the wearer. Moreover, it is also important to consider whether the gold piece you are going to buy is suitable for everyday wear or not.
Colour Variation
A 14k gold is usually available in three colors: yellow, rose, and white. These three colors are based on the type and the composition of the metal alloys used in the gold mixture.
The color variation of the 14k gold plays an important role in the purchase decision of a buyer. Although buying a certain piece of 14 karat gold jewelry is based on your personal preference, the color and price may also affect your buying decision.
14k Gold Yellow
14 karat yellow gold is made up of pure gold and two alloy metals known as copper and zinc. It is one of the most used gold colors for engagement or wedding rings or bands. It is suitable for people who are allergic to gold jewelry.
The 14 k yellow gold always looks classic and never goes out of style; hence it is one of the best gift options you can present to your loved ones!
As the color is yellow, so it represents pure gold that lasts over time and never gets old-fashioned. The yellow color may get light or dark depending on the pure gold used in the making.
What are the Pros of 14 karats yellow gold?
- One of the most popular colors in gold
- People prefer 14 k yellow gold for engagement and wedding jewelry pieces.
- You can combine it with diamond jewelry, hence makes an excellent match.
- Suitable for vintage-styled jewelry
- The color looks pure and does not easily get dull over time.
- Perfect for dark skin tones
What are the Cons of 14 karats yellow gold?
- 14 karat yellow gold may get scratches very easily
- You must clean it every day to make it look good and appealing
14k Gold Rose
Apart from 14 karats yellow gold, a 14 k rose gold is a combination of pure gold and copper. The more copper is added to the mixture; the more red, pinkish, or rose shade appears; that is why it is said to be one of the most romantic metals. The color is lovely and refreshing and gives a youthful appearance.
The rings made from 14 karats rose gold is suitable for both men and women.
What are the Pros of 14 karats rose gold?
- It looks great in every age because of its reddish-pick shade.
- Both men and women can wear rings made up of rose gold.
- Perfect to be used for all skin tones
- As copper is mixed in the rose gold, so the strength of the gold becomes higher (as compared to yellow or white gold)
- As copper is economical than other alloys, hence the 14 karats rose gold is a cost-effective option.
- This shade of gold never gets old-fashioned.
What are the Cons of 14 karats rose gold?
- Difficult to buy 14 k rose gold as it is not readily available as compared to other gold shades
- It can cause allergy for some people, hence might not be suitable for everyone
14k Gold White
One of the most popular shades of 14 karat gold is white. It is made of a combination of pure gold and white metals. These may include nickel, palladium, and silver. It looks more stunning than 14 k yellow gold and shines for a long time.
As it is white in color, so it never gets out of fashion and looks great on people with fair or rose-shaded skin. Believe me; there is something unique about 14 k white gold that always draws the attention of people!
The 14 k white gold looks like the most expensive metals, for example, platinum, but it is available at a reasonable price, hence providing the best value for money.
What are the Pros of 14 k white gold?
- It makes a great choice for people of every age
- More popular shade as compared to 14 karats rose and yellow
- Looks perfect for fair or rose-shaded skin tones
- As it is white in color, so it looks beautiful with white diamonds (complementing each other)
- 14 karat white gold is resistant to scratches and lasts for a long time as compared to yellow or rose gold (because nickel, silver, and palladium are strong metals)
- Available at a reasonable price
What are the Cons of 14 white gold?
- If nickel is used in the mixture for making 14 karats white gold, it may cause allergy for some people.
- To maintain its color and shine, you need to dip after a couple of years.
Price of 14k Gold
The price of 14 karat gold is much lower than 18 karat gold or other fine metal types such as platinum. Although its look and durability resemble the expensive metals, its affordable price makes it an ideal option for engagement or wedding rings.
The cost of rings made up of 14 karat gold may range from several hundred to thousand dollars. Even the price does not change much if we compare all three colors of 14 k gold (yellow, rose, and white).
It is less costly as compared to 18 k gold or platinum. Because in a 14 karat gold, the amount of gold used is less in the mixture of gold and alloy metals.
Is 14k Gold worth buying?
The gold that you buy for jewelry may depend on your personal preference along with the price and durability. If we talk about 14 k gold, it is much affordable than 18 k or platinum options (as mentioned earlier). Hence, it is the perfect option for those who want to get stunning jewelry pieces at a budget-friendly rate.
14 k gold is available in three different colors, rose, white, and yellow. Each color of gold has its properties, advantages, and disadvantages. The jewelry pieces made with 14 karat gold always look stunning and eye-catching no matter what color of gold you choose. So, when it comes to color, you have a variety of choices.
Moreover, 14 k gold can be used for making engagement or wedding rings, earrings, chains, bracelets, pre-engagement rings (also known as promise rings), pendants, necklaces, etc.
In this way, 14 k gold is the right choice in all terms and is well worth the money, so you should go for it right now!
Conclusion
14 karat gold is made up of pure gold and several alloy metals, including copper, nickel, and zinc. It is available in three colors: yellow, rose, and white. 14 k yellow gold always looks classic and never goes out of style; white gold looks more stunning and shines for a long period, while rose gold seems refreshing and gives a youthful appearance.
Moreover, 14 karat gold is available at a reasonable price. It lasts for a long time and always looks pleasing. In short, we can say that 14 k is worth buying but make sure to determine several factors, including price, color, and quality, as they may affect your buying decision.