14k gold is a type of gold that is common with jewelry items such as chains, rings, and earrings. Below we'll provide more detail about this gold type and how much it can be worth.
What Is 14k Gold?
14k gold is real gold with a moderately high purity. 14k refers to the gold's level of purity, and it means that your item is 14 karats out of a maximum of 24 karats. It's composed of 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy. 14k gold is the same as 583 gold.
This type of gold is popular for a reason. It's much affordable than 18k gold and it still looks great. Its purity is moderately high so the alloy content probably won't bother those with sensitive skin. But if you do have skin sensitivity then it may be best to buy 18k gold.
How to Find Markings
Markings or hallmarks are easy to spot for any type of gold piece. You should clearly see 14k or the number 583 engraved on the piece. On jewelry the number may be small and concealed, but it should still be visible.
You may encounter some other markings on your gold jewelry. For example, some pieces may be branded "14KP". This indicates that the item in question is plumb gold and is 14 karats exactly. An item labeled "G.P" is gold-plated. Similarly, jewelry labeled "G.F" is gold filled, which essentially means that it has a thicker layer of gold-plating.
The Value of Your 14k Gold
In order to get the melt value of your 14k gold piece, you'll need to multiply the total ounces of gold by the spot price of gold. We make this easy for you with our gold calculator. All you need to do is load up the calculator, select 14k from the purity dropdown box, enter the weight of your item, and then click the 'calculate' button.
It's always good to know the value of your gold item. If you were ever going to sell your item then you have a base price.
Alternatives
Gold items come in several different types of purities. Below we will review three similar alternatives to 14k gold.
12K Gold
12k gold has 16.6% less gold content. It's a cheaper alternative that's not as pure.
16K Gold
16k gold is not a standard for gold jewelry so it's harder to find. It has 14.4% more gold content.
18K Gold
18k gold, also known as 750 gold, is a popular gold type. It has 16.7% more gold content. This type is more pure, less durable, and more expensive. It also shines brighter due to the higher gold content.