In the market, 14K gold jewelry is quite popular, and many people own 14K gold items but do not fully understand what 14K gold is.
Understanding 14K Gold
14K gold is an alloy of pure gold and other base metals with lower value, such as silver, copper, nickel, etc. This mixture helps to overcome the weaknesses of pure gold, which is too soft and malleable, making it challenging to shape.
14K gold is more affordable than pure gold while still ensuring aesthetic appeal and a higher hardness level, which is why it is commonly used for jewelry.
Characteristics of 14K Gold
Depending on the metals and their proportions mixed in, 14K gold has varying hardness and colors. Compared to pure gold, 14K gold has a lighter hue.
14K gold is harder than pure gold. (Illustrative image).
Additionally, 14K gold is more durable, resilient, and significantly harder than pure gold. Therefore, it is primarily used for crafting jewelry, allowing for a wide variety of styles and intricate details.
14K gold maintains its durability as it does not tarnish or change color due to environmental exposure.
Types of 14K Gold
The value of 14K gold is assessed based on its gold content. Accordingly, 14K gold is divided into several types such as 18K, 14K, 10K, and 9K.
- 18K Gold: This gold contains a mixture of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. With its beautiful and shiny appearance, and a balance between value and aesthetics, 18K gold is very popular.
- 14K Gold: This type has a mixture of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals. 14K gold is shinier than 18K gold and is significantly harder compared to 18K gold.
- 10K Gold: This gold type consists of 41.7% pure gold, 33% silver, and 25% copper. The value of 10K gold is lower compared to many other types, making it the most affordable option for jewelry.
- 9K Gold: This is the type of gold with the lowest gold content and is the hardest, containing only 37.5% pure gold while the rest is alloy and other metals.
Does Buying 14K Gold Result in Depreciation?
The price of 14K gold depends on the percentage of pure gold it contains. The buying price is lower than the selling price. Therefore, purchasing 14K gold can easily lead to depreciation, and selling it immediately after buying will likely result in a loss. With jewelry, if used, the resale value will definitely drop significantly.