14k Gold

Among the properties of gold that makes it such a precious and in demand metal is its ability to last for a very long time. Pure gold is impervious to rust, corrosion, or elemental damage. It is also soft and extremely malleable, so malleable in fact that an ounce can be stretched up to five miles. It is this latter property, however, that makes pure gold, by itself, not so ideal to make gold jewelry.

To make gold jewelry, pure gold has to be combined with other metals such as copper, nickel, silver, zinc and palladium. These minerals add hardness and durability to the jewelry piece. Still the real value of the jewelry still depends on its pure gold content, which is measured in karats.

A karat approximately weighs one gram. It is strictly measured in units of 24, with 1 indicating the least pure gold content, and 24 being pure gold. There is 18K gold, which contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts alloy for a 75% pure gold content. Meanwhile, 14k gold is 58.3% pure gold, as it is composed of 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. The higher the number of karats, the more pure gold a piece of jewelry contains.

Like all gold that is mixed with alloys such as copper or nickel that make it harder, stronger and therefore more durable, 14kt gold is very suitable for making jewelry such as 14k gold earrings, 14k gold charms, 14k gold rings, 14k gold hoop earrings, 14k gold bracelets, 14k gold chains, and 14k gold necklaces. Many people prefer 14k gold jewelry. This is not surprising, since 14 carats gold, compared to 24k gold, is not easily dented or tarnished. And of course, 14 karat gold is less expensive than 24k gold, which is why many couples with average incomes choose to go for a 14k gold ring, a 14k gold chain, a 14k gold necklace or a 14k gold bracelet.

The variety of alloys used to combine with pure gold can determine the color a piece of jewelry would take. Copper mixed with pure gold can result in 14kt yellow gold. On the other hand, 14kt white gold is an end product of a nickel, zinc and copper mix. Sometimes 14 kt gold jewelry even comes with rosy hues or reddish tones, making them popular for necklaces as well.

However, 14kt gold jewelry has its disadvantages. While it is definitely stronger and longer lasting than 24k gold jewelry, 14 carat gold also tends to lose its luster faster than 24k gold. This is a common effect of frequent use, as human sweat can mix with the gold compound and rapidly fade the gold. To avoid this, it is advisable not to wear a 14k gold cross or any 14ct gold jewelry when exercising.