14K gold

14K gold is a great choice for an engagement ring or any other piece of jewelry. Such a beautiful and durable metal has a reasonable price tag. However, the color may differ depending on the alloy.

14 carat gold means that it contains 41.5% ligature and 58.5% yellow metal. As the most malleable of all metals, it is the ideal material for fine jewelry. 14 K is a mixture containing zinc, nickel and copper. Since the metal itself is relatively soft, it means that alloyed metals enhance its properties.

14K gold is definitely real. Contrary to popular belief, no piece of jewelry is manufactured using 100% pure metal. The reason is simple: pure 24K gold is extremely soft and scratches quickly even with minimal mechanical stress. Moreover, it is easy to deform and bend.

To make the metal more durable, silver and copper are added to it, as well as other metals. Depending on which element is included in the composition of gold, its properties may differ.

Zinc in the composition gives a white color, thanks to it, it is possible to reduce the melting point of the material. Gold becomes harder and more ductile from nickel, it also gives the composition and magnetic properties. But in the presence of copper, gold is more susceptible to corrosion, albeit more durable.If you want to achieve the desired elasticity, then it is better to add platinum to the gold.

When choosing 14K gold, you can see several shades: white, pink and yellow. Although they are very similar in appearance, each material is different in composition. The choice of metal color for a wedding ring or jewelry should be based primarily on personal preference.

Benefits of 14K White Gold:

• currently more popular than yellow gold;
• a more affordable option than platinum;
• the alloy is more durable and scratch resistant;
• complements white diamond better than yellow gold.

Disadvantages:

• needs to be cleaned every few years to maintain the color and shine of the jewelry;
• Nickel is usually present in the mixture, which causes an allergic reaction in some people.

The different colors of 14K gold hardly differ in price. While white metal is similar to more expensive options such as platinum, it is an affordable solution with great value for money.

Yellow gold contains zinc and copper.

Advantages:

• it is the most hypoallergenic metal of the three types;
• historically the most popular option for wedding rings;
• the purest alloy of all;
• retains its shine for a long time;
• easy to handle.

Disadvantages: prone to scratches and dents.

Pink gold always contains copper, it is she who gives such a shade. The more it is in the mixture, the redder the gold.

Advantages:

• suitable for both men's and women's jewelry;
• usually a more affordable option because copper is inexpensive;
• durable metal.

Disadvantages:

• is not hypoallergenic, may cause an allergic reaction;
• cannot be found in every jewelry store.

Regardless of who is the manufacturer of the jewelry, no one has the right to apply the brand himself. Only the Assay Office has such a prerogative. There are always 4 elements on Russian 14K gold:

• letter;
• female silhouette in a kokoshnik;
• sample in the form of numbers;
• frame.

Western markings are different. In the United States, gold jewelry is not stamped for purity. Instead, the product log is marked on the package. Some manufacturers stamp their gold with the letter “K”, while others use “KT”. Both options mean the same thing. 14K is one of the most common stamps used to indicate that a piece of jewelry is made of 14K gold.

Some countries have their own laws on product labeling, where it is stated that the country of origin must be imprinted on the jewelry if it is exported. Some items can also be minted with the indication of a specific city, region or the Assay Office mark.

14 K 585 or simply 585 - this stamp shows the amount of gold in the alloy per 1000 units... 14k contains 58.3% pure gold or 583 grams per thousand. Maybe 583, but it's essentially the same thing. The price of embossed gold jewelry 585 and 583 is identical. There is no difference in cost or cleanliness. It's important to know that there are other common gold markings that include the term 14K. These include the following.

• 14K GP. GP means gilded, that is, the product has only a layer of gold on top.
• 14K GEP or 14K GE. GE or GEP stands for Electroplating. That is, the model is only plated with gold using electroplating - a process in which a thin layer of metal is applied to the base material using an electric current.
• 14K GF. GF means that the outer layer is kind of wrapped around the base metal.

As we mentioned above, not all countries require gold jewelry manufacturers to stamp their products. Thus, if an item is not stamped, this does not necessarily mean that it is not gold.

By purchasing a product on the Internet, you can run into a fake. There is a high probability of stumbling upon deception abroad. From where our tourists often bring gold products as souvenirs. If on the territory of our country in the store there is a jewelry with a carat marking, then it is more likely a brought product, and here it is sold illegally. Imported gold may not be up to the specified 585 or 583 fineness.

When goods are brought into the country legally, it is sure to pass the quality test. The Assay Office is responsible for the examination. In this case, there will be two markings on the jewelry during the sale, the second is a guarantee that the client will not be deceived. Scammers have learned to falsify the sample today, so it cannot always become proof of the purity of the metal.

First of all, it is worth paying attention to whether the grooves on the brand are clogged with dirt, how well the sample is read and how clearly the numbers are applied. All this is often the distinguishing feature of a real stamp from a fake.

You can find many tips on how to chemically find out if a piece of jewelry is made of gold or just covered with it on top. At the same time, it is not so easy to find aqua regia and other reagents, and the decoration can simply be ruined. Gilded items have a standard of 800, 830, 875, 925 and 960. If it is gilding, then after a few months it will wear off and darken.

You can keep the attractive appearance of gold longer if you know how to properly care for it. These are not the products in which it is worth washing the dishes, cleaning the house. Gold after constant contact with chemicals loses its luster. Decorative cosmetics also negatively affects its attractiveness. If the jewelry is stored in a jewelry box, it is advisable to provide a separate packaging for it. Cloth bags minimize friction and scratch the surface longer.

There are specialized gold jewelry cleaners that are sold for a small price in the store. If you follow these simple rules, gold will shine longer and the jewelry will delight its owner.

The knowledge and ability to distinguish real gold from counterfeiting makes it possible to successfully invest your funds. These simple rules are easy to remember. If you do not want to lose your money, then it is better to buy the product in a trusted store. If you decide to buy online, then you should first request a product certificate from the seller or act at your own peril and risk.

For information on how to clean gold yourself, see the video below.