FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT 

14K GOLD JEWELRY


Welcome to the exciting world of 14-karat gold jewelry! It's the perfect accessory for any occasion, and its timeless beauty is sure to turn heads. But before you make a purchase, we're sure you have some questions about this luxurious material. Don't worry–we've got all the answers in this guide to everything 14-karat gold.



WHAT IS 14 KARAT GOLD?


14 karat gold is a gold 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 doesn't dent and scratch easily like pure gold.



IS 14K GOLD REAL?


Yes, 14-karat gold jewelry is real — it’s just not as pure as 24K gold (100% pure gold). 14K jewelry usually has a bit of copper or other alloys mixed in to make it more durable and give it its unique yellow color. 



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. 24k is too soft for jewelry use and more expensive than 14k gold.



IS 10K GOLD STRONGER THAN 14K?


Yes, but only slightly. 10K gold is, as the name implies, 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals out of 24, while 14K gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. That extra 4 karats of pure gold in 14K makes it just a bit softer than 10K.

 


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. For example, if you see a "14K" marking on your piece of gold, you have genuine 14 karat 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 you 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.



CAN YOU SWIM IN 14K GOLD?


Sure, you can, but 14k gold jewelry 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 on.



WILL 14K GOLD TARNISH?


Yes, 14K gold jewelry can tarnish – but it won't happen overnight! In fact, you may have to wait for quite a while before you notice any discoloration.


However, with proper care and cleaning, you can keep it looking bright and shiny! To keep your 14k gold jewelry from tarnishing, store it in a cool, dry place when not worn, and remember to remove any pieces before showering or swimming.



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.



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


The difference between 10 karat gold versus 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.



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 contains more pure gold. Lastly, 14 kt jewelry is much stronger than 18 kt due to the heavier mixture of metal alloys.

 


HOW TO CLEAN 14K JEWELRY?


14K jewelry is a classic and timeless accessory that can add sparkle to your wardrobe. But after months of wear, even the most beautiful 14K gold jewelry can start to look a bit dull. Fortunately, you don’t need any special cleaning solutions or expensive jewelry cleaners — all you need to do is give them a quick wash with soap and water. Here’s how it’s done:


1. Fill a bowl with warm water and two drops of mild dish soap. Make sure the bowl is big enough for your jewelry piece to fit in without getting stuck or clumped up.


2. Place the 14K jewelry in the soapy water and allow it to sit for five minutes.


3. Take a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub the jewelry, making sure not to scrub too hard.


4. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with clean water and pat it dry with a soft cloth or towel.



HOW TO TAKE CARE OF 14K GOLD?


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


  1. Store your 14k gold in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in humid areas, as this can cause tarnishing.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Remove your 14k gold jewelry before participating in activities that could damage it, such as swimming, exercise, or housework.
  5. Clean your 14k gold jewelry regularly with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the gold.
  6. 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 worsening.



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


We hope this FAQ has been helpful in demystifying 14K gold jewelry. Whether you're looking for a beautiful gift for someone special or just treating yourself, 14K is an excellent choice that will stand the test of time. With this newfound knowledge, you'll be sure to make the best decision for your jewelry needs!