FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
14K GOLD JEWELRY

When it comes to 14 karat gold jewelry, there are a lot of questions that people have. In this article, we will answer some of the most common ones.

WHAT IS 14 KARAT GOLD?

14 karat gold is an alloy consisting of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, typically copper, zinc, and silver. Because it is less than 18 karats, it is considered "lower purity" gold. In the U.S.

The 14k gold percentage is 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals; the other metals help to strengthen the gold, so it is usable in jewelry.

IS 14K GOLD REAL?

Yes, 14 karat gold jewelry contains real gold. 14k is not the highest purity gold, but it does contain a high percentage of genuine gold. The other metals in 14K gold help make the jewelry more durable and give it a different color.

WHAT IS IN 14 KARAT GOLD?

The 14k gold percentage is 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals, typically copper or silver; the higher the karat value, the higher the percentage of gold in the alloy. For example, 18k gold contains 75% gold.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 14K GOLD AND 24K GOLD?

The difference between 14k gold and 24k gold is that 24k gold is pure gold (the highest purity gold) while 14k gold contains other metals such as copper, silver, and zinc, making 24k gold softer than 14k gold. 24k gold is also more expensive because it is of a higher quality.

IS 10K GOLD STRONGER THAN 14K?

10K gold is stronger, more durable, and more scratch-resistant than 14K gold. The reason is simple: less pure gold is mixed in with other metals.

Gold is a very soft and precious metal (pure 24K gold), so it must be combined with other metals to make it more durable. If you have pure 24K gold jewelry, you may notice scuffs and scratches due to the gold's purity.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF 14K GOLD IS REAL?

One of the easiest ways to tell if you have genuine gold is to look for a hallmark. Hallmarks are small markings that indicate what type of metal you have and the purity of the metal. For example, let's say you have real 14 karat gold chains; examine the most common location for jewelry hallmarks on chains first, which is the clasp area. If you see a "14K" marking on your piece of gold, you have real 14 karat gold chains.

However, this test is not foolproof because older pieces of genuine gold jewelry may not have a hallmark. If you don't see a hallmark or any other markings on your chains, it may mean you have very old chains. Over time, polishing jewelry can also buff away any markings on the jewelry. So, you will need to take these older chains to a professional jeweler for closer examination.

WHAT DOES 14 KARAT GOLD PLATED MEAN?

When something is 14 karat plated gold, it has a layer of 14 karat gold on top of it. The term "karat" denotes the purity of gold, with 24 karats being pure gold and 14 karat gold being 58% pure. So, 14 karat plated gold means that the item has a layer of 14 karat gold on top of it, which is 58% pure gold.

CAN YOU SHOWER WITH A 14K GOLD CHAIN?

You can shower with a 14K gold chain, but we do not recommend it. Gold is a soft metal and can easily be scratched or damaged in the shower. Plus, the chemicals in soap and shampoo can cause gold to tarnish. If you must shower with your gold chain, rinse it thoroughly afterward with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Constant exposure to wet environments can destroy the other alloy elements in 14k gold, resulting in long-term discoloration. Keep all types of gold jewelry away from water in the shower, pool, or sea to maintain a bright luster.

CAN YOU WEAR 14K GOLD IN THE POOL?

So, can you wear 14k gold in the pool? The answer is… maybe! If your 14k gold jewelry is high quality and the piece is properly sealed, then it may be safe to wear in the pool. However, we always recommend err on the side of caution and take your jewelry off before getting into the water. Chlorine and other chemicals in pools can cause damage to gold jewelry, so it’s best to play it safe.

If you decide to wear your 14k gold jewelry in the pool, take extra care of it afterward. Rinse it off with fresh water and dry it thoroughly before storing it away.

White gold is especially susceptible to damage from chlorine. Even tiny amounts of diluted chlorine will erode the nickel alloy in white gold, possibly leading to damaged prongs and settings.

CAN YOU SWIM IN 14K GOLD?

If you're planning on taking a dip in the pool or ocean with your 14k gold jewelry, we recommend taking it off first. While 14k gold is a durable metal, it's not necessarily made for long-term exposure to water. So, if you want to keep your 14k gold jewelry in pristine condition, it's best to take it off before swimming.

However, if you're just going for a casual swim in the pool or taking a quick dip in the ocean, you can probably leave your 14k gold jewelry on. Just know that it might not look as shiny and new when you get out of the water.

The main reason why 14k gold jewelry can dull in water is because of the chemicals in pool and ocean water. These chemicals can cause a reaction with the gold, making it look duller. Additionally, salt water can also be corrosive, so it's best to avoid swimming in the ocean with your 14k gold jewelry.

WILL 14K GOLD TARNISH?

Gold is a beautiful, precious metal that doesn't tarnish easily. However, 14k gold may tarnish over time due to exposure to the elements or certain chemicals. If your 14 karat gold jewelry tarnishes, you can clean it with a simple gold cleaning solution.

If you're wondering if 14 karat gold will tarnish, the answer is yes, it may. However, 14 karat gold is less likely to tarnish than other types of gold jewelry. This is because 14 karat gold contains a higher percentage of pure gold than other metals like 10k. Pure gold is more resistant to tarnishing than gold that is alloyed with other metals.

WILL 14K GOLD PLATED TURN YOUR FINGER GREEN?

The stabilizing metals in 14 kt gold rings, such as copper, nickel, and zinc, can oxidize and cause a green tint on the skin in some people. While pure 24k gold does not react with anything, jewelry with lower karats, such as 14 kt gold rings contains additional metals that can react with environmental factors, changing the natural 14k gold color to green or black.

When exposed to oxygen and moisture, copper, one of the most popular metals used in 14 kt gold rings, becomes green, especially where it comes into touch with the skin.

People with higher acidity levels in their skin are more likely to experience this greening effect from copper. The same is true for people who have allergies to nickel, as nickel is often used in 14 kt gold rings.

To avoid turning your finger green, try wearing a 14 kt gold ring with a high copper content on a different finger or wearing a gold-plated ring over a 14 kt gold ring. You can also try coating the inside of your 14 kt gold ring with clear nail polish. The nail polish will create a barrier between your skin and the metals in the ring.

If you experience a green tint on your skin from wearing a 14 kt gold ring, don't worry – it's not harmful. The green color will eventually fade away.

DOES 14K WHITE GOLD HAVE NICKEL IN IT?

Yes, 14k white gold does contain nickel. In fact, all white gold contains some tiny amounts of nickel, as it is added during the alloying process to give the metal a brighter white color. However, the amount of nickel in white gold can vary depending on the karat (purity) of the gold and the other metals used in the alloy. For example, 14k white gold typically contains more nickel than 18k white gold.

While the nickel in white gold is not usually a problem for people with nickel allergies, it can sometimes cause skin irritation or other reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have a nickel allergy, you may want to consider wearing white gold plated with another metal, such as rhodium, which is less likely to cause a reaction.

HOW MUCH NICKEL IS IN 14K GOLD?

14k gold contains around 58% pure gold; the rest consists of other metals like silver, copper, and zinc. 14k gold also contains small traces of nickel, and all metals used in 14k gold jewelry will contain some trace amounts of nickel.

Nickel is a common metal allergy that can cause skin rashes, redness, and itchiness. However, the amount of nickel in 14k gold is so small that it's unlikely to cause any allergic reactions. However, if you're concerned about nickel allergies, you can always ask your jeweler to use nickel-free metals in your 14k gold jewelry.

WHAT DOES 14K MEAN ON GOLD?

14K gold is an alloy of gold and other metals, such as silver, copper, zinc, and palladium. The karat (kt) system is a way to denote the purity of gold. 14K gold means that 14 parts out of 24 are pure gold.

14 karat gold stamp is "14K," "14Kt," or "14Kt/5". In Europe, the 14 karat gold stamp is "585."

The rest of the metal in 14K gold is an alloy. Alloys are metals mixed together to create new compounds with different properties than the individual pure metals. In this case, the alloys used in 14K gold make it harder and more durable than 24K gold.

WHAT DOES 14KP STAND FOR?

When you see 14kgp on a piece of jewelry, it means it contains 14 karat gold plating. The "gp" stands for gold plating. 14gp jewelry has a thin layer of 14 karat gold plating applied to the surface.

HOW MUCH IS 14 KARAT ITALIAN GOLD WORTH?

It is difficult to say how much it is worth without knowing more about the item in question. However, 14 karat Italian gold typically contains 58.5% pure gold and is worth slightly more than 14 karat gold from other countries.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE 10 KARAT GOLD VERSUS 14 KARAT GOLD?

The difference between 10 karat gold verus 14 karat gold is the amount of pure gold in each. 10 karat gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals, while 14 karat gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. The higher the karat number, the more valuable the metal; hence 14 karat is more expensive.

In addition, the higher the karat weight, the more saturated the gold color will be. When it comes to 10 karat vs. 14 karat gold, 14k gold color will appear brighter and more yellow than 10 karat gold, because 14 karat gold contains a higher proportion of pure gold than 10 karat gold.

Ultimately, the choice between 10 karat vs 14 karat gold comes down to budget and personal preference. Those who are looking for a more affordable option may prefer 10 karat gold, while those who want a piece with a higher gold content may prefer 14 karat gold.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 14 KARAT VS. 18 KARAT WHITE GOLD?

There are key differences between 14 karat and 18 karat white gold, the main difference being in the purity of the gold. 18 kt white gold is made with 75% pure gold, while 14 karat white gold is only 58.3% pure gold.

Another key difference between 14 karat vs. 18 karat white gold is the price; for example, an 18 kt white gold ring costs significantly more than 14 kt white gold ring because it is purer.

Next, 14 kt jewelry is much stronger than 18 kt due to the heavier mixture of metal alloys. Therefore, this strength is important in very detailed rings. For example, a 14 kt white gold ring will have strong metal for the prongs that will keep the diamonds in place better than prongs of a weaker metal.

Finally, 18 kt white gold is much more likely to get scratched than 14 kt jewelry because it is closer to the softness of pure gold. With this in mind, one will have to polish an 18 kt white gold ring much more often than a 14 KT white gold ring.

To sum it up, the key differences between 14 karat vs. 18 karat white gold are purity, price, strength, and scratch resistance.

HOW TO CLEAN 14K JEWELRY?

Cleaning 14K gold at home is simple! Let's go through the steps so you know how to clean 14k gold jewelry correctly:

Prepare a bowl of lukewarm water.
Add a few drops of all-natural dish soap.
Use a small toothbrush to scrub the jewelry gently. Use a soft-bristled brush (ideally one intended for an infant) to avoid causing scratches.
Wipe down with a clean cotton cloth and allow to air dry.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF 14K GOLD?

Here are a few tips on how to keep your 14k gold looking its best:

Store your 14k gold in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in humid areas, as this can cause tarnishing.
You'll want to keep your gold away from other jewelry that might scratch it, so consider using a fabric-lined compartment or wrapping it in a soft cloth.
When you're not wearing your 14k gold jewelry, store it in a jewelry box or another type of container that will protect it from the elements.
Remove your 14k gold jewelry before participating in activities that could damage it, such as swimming, exercise, or housework.
Clean your 14k gold jewelry regularly with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the gold.
Have your 14k gold jewelry checked by a jeweler every few years to make sure that it is still in good condition. This will help you catch any problems early and prevent them from getting worse.

HOW MUCH IS 14 KARAT GOLD PER GRAM TODAY?

The cost of 14 karat gold fluctuates depending on market conditions; however, the cost of 14 karat gold per gram is currently $33.996 USD.

CAN YOU BE ALLERGIC TO 14K GOLD?

Yes, you may have an allergy to 14k gold. Some people are allergic to the nickel used in some 14k gold alloyed metals. If you are concerned about having an allergy to 14k gold, you should ask your jeweler about the composition of the metal. Also, test a small area of skin before wearing any jewelry. If you experience any redness, swelling, or itching, remove the jewelry immediately and consult a doctor.

WRAPPING UP

Hopefully, this article has answered some of your questions about 14 karat gold jewelry. Keep in mind that it is important to take care of your gold jewelry by avoiding contact with water and other harsh chemicals. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to send us a message. Thanks for reading!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT 14K GOLD JEWELRY