Understanding 14k Gold
Are you interested in gold? Learn everything there is to know about 14-carat gold and why it is such a good investment. We have a (gold) trove of information here that will teach you all that you need to know about this magnificent gleaming metal.
What Exactly Is 14K Gold?
The purity (or fineness) of gold is measured in Karats, which are parts fine per 24 parts entire. As a result, 24K gold is pure, 18K is less pure, and 14K is much less pure. While this may appear to be a disadvantage, pure gold is fragile and readily scratched, thus most gold used in high-end jewelry is between 10K and 18K, or (41% - 75%) purity.
In the case of 18K gold, the remaining 25% will be made up of another metal, such as silver, palladium, zinc, copper, or nickel, depending on the desired hue and intended use.
14K gold is thus essentially a gold alloy with a purity of 58%. The remaining 42% will decide the color and hardness of the gold. While both silver and palladium make white gold, a gold-silver alloy produces a strong, durable metal, whereas a gold-palladium alloy produces a malleable metal. If the jeweler wishes to make yellow gold, he or she will blend silver and copper to achieve the required color.
14K gold is an extremely famous metal for wedding and engagement rings. This is because jewelry is supposed to endure a lifetime. A ring with a higher gold-to-alloy ratio is more prone to wear and tear and must be carefully maintained to avoid becoming deformed. 14K gold retains its luster for many years due to its endurance. Because of the silver content, it will tarnish over time, but it can be cleaned and polished at home with a little warm water, dish soap, and vinegar.
Is 14K Gold Genuine Gold?
True gold is contained in 14K gold. It's not pure gold, but it's hardly surprising given that pure gold has very little purpose before being melted down with other metals.
How to Determine If a Piece of Gold Is 14K Gold
Goldsmiths are required to stamp their pieces with a number that denotes the purity of the gold. If you're unsure whether your gold is 14K, examine it closely and you should see a little "14K" inscribed anywhere on its surface. If the piece is old and it's difficult to determine, take it to a reputable jeweler for a closer look.
Is it possible to pawn 14K gold?
14K gold is pawnable, but only if you sell it to a reputable and well-known dealer. "Cash for Gold" stores are notoriously deceitful, so keep your wits about yourself and acquire multiple opinions before accepting pennies for your grandmother's treasured gold.
How Does 14K Gold Differ From 24K Gold?
Because 24K gold is pure gold, it is significantly more precious. Yet, jewelry made of 100% pure gold is quite unusual because it is incredibly delicate and easily destroyed. Hence, while there is a significant price difference, there is also a significant difference in practicality. As previously said, most wedding rings are constructed of 14K gold since it is durable and retains their shape over time.
When Should You Choose 14K Gold?
If you want a long-lasting sheen, durability, and ease of maintenance, 14K gold is the way to go. 14K gold is an excellent choice for 50th anniversaries, wedding bands, engagement rings, and investments that will be passed down through generations.
Will 14K gold fade, tarnish, or scratch?
14K gold is quite durable. The silver and copper in the alloy increase the metal's structural integrity, making it less likely to bend or scratch. It will not fade because the amount of gold present will prevent tarnishing for years. The higher the carat value of a piece, the less likely it is to tarnish. That being said, tarnishing may appear after many years, but it's nothing you can't fix at home.
Cleaning 14K Gold
Cleaning 14K gold at home is simple! Let's go over the fundamentals so you know how to properly clean gold jewelry:
- Make a warm water basin.
- Several drops of green dish soap
- Mix in a little amount of ammonia-based cleanser.
- Scrub the jewelry gently with a small toothbrush, but be sure to use a soft-bristled brush (ideally one designed for infants), since vigorous cleaning could leave scratches.
- Once dry, use white vinegar and a paper towel to lightly polish the piece to create a wonderful shine.
- Let air dry after wiping down with a clean paper towel.
Is 14K Gold Jewelry a Decent Buy?
14K gold jewelry is a wise investment. It's long-lasting, simple to maintain, and unlikely to lose value over time. When purchasing gold as an investment, you want something that will survive the test of time and possibly end up in the hands of a grandson or great-grandchild down the road. 14K gold is thus the ideal choice for you because it will keep its shape and sparkle for decades!
Because everyone is unique, the ideal type of gold for you should be determined by a combination of variables. Factors such as your work, activity level, aesthetic preference, budget, and skin sensitivity all play a role in your decision when selecting gold for your engagement ring.
Most of the time, 14K gold provides a great balance of color depth, durability, and price. Because of these characteristics, 14K gold accounts for approximately 90% of gold jewelry sales in the United States. 14K gold is also often regarded as the optimum formulation for rose and white gold. This is because the percentage of alloy used with pure gold produces a gorgeous, warm rose gold when mixed with copper or a crisp, cold white when mixed with silver.
Charlie & Co. Jewelry has the finest collection of 14K gold. This gold jewelry gift idea, made of beautiful 14K gold, is the ideal method to express your love and admiration. The 14K gold necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and earrings in the collection are all created for long-lasting sturdiness and comfort. Make a bold statement with our 14K gold jewelry!