14K Gold Explained: Is It Real, Cheap, or Worth It?

For centuries, gold has been making us go absolutely crazy over its beauty. It is a symbol of many things, from love to wealth. For a long time, gold has been a part of only the elite’s jewellery collection, but now, thanks to 14K gold, people can afford the luxury without breaking their bank accounts. 

From 14K gold rings for their engagement to a stylish, sturdy 14K gold chain to wear to the office, to a pair of 14K gold earringsfor a night out, 14K gold has started to become a favourite for all.

However, when you decide to buy one, burning questions linger in your head, don’t they? How much is 14K gold worth?Does 14K gold tarnish? Is it worth it? Lucky for you, we have done our research and will answer these questions for you!

What Is 14K Gold?

Pure gold is known as 24K gold. Other than that, all other golds are alloys. In the case of 14K gold, we have 58.3% gold and the rest are metals like copper, silver, or zinc.

The presence of other metals is there for a reason! It makes jewellery strong enough to weather all the perils of our daily lives. Pure gold is, without a doubt, stunning. But you can’t wear it to a party or to the office because it’s too soft. You know what you can wear? A beautiful 14K gold bracelet or chain! It stays pretty and perfect for years to come.

How 14K gold is different

To understand the value of 14K gold, you have to really understand how it differs from and compares to other karats.

As we said earlier, 24K goods are pure but too soft for everyday jewellery. If you want to buy 24K gold, it’s best to buy it as bars and for investment purposes. They are pretty popular as ceremonial pieces as well.&

Next up is 22K gold, which has 91.7% gold (22/24). Still too delicate for constant wear, but it’s often found in rich cultural designs.

18K gold has 75% purity. It has such a beautiful gold hue, but it isn’t as strong as 14K gold. Meanwhile, 10K gold might be more sturdy than 14K gold, but its low gold content makes it lose the competition against 14K gold.

Is 14K Gold Real Gold?

14K gold isn’t pure gold, but it is very much real gold! Don’t let someone confuse you by saying otherwise. It is absolutely real gold as it contains 58.3% pure gold.

It is genuinely a precious and valuable metal, and all the metals mixed in make it a durable one, too. It is not a drawback but rather a strength.

So next time you slip on a 14K gold ring or clasping a 14K gold bracelet, remember what you are wearing is rich, both in terms of money, value, and sentiment!

What is hallmark gold?14K gold comes with stamps that act as proof of its authenticity and purity. We call this hallmark gold. We will discuss it in more detail, but the tag or stamp basically says 14K or 585. When you see this label, know that it is tested and verified. This is your assurance that this is the real deal!

Is 14K Gold Good Quality?

It's because of its quality that 14K gold is an absolute standout! As we said earlier, the mixed-in metals help it fight against the daily grind.

Wearing your 14K gold rings or chains on a regular basis, you are likely to scratch them, but 14K gold doesn’t scratch or bend easily.

So when we say it is good quality, we mean it is durable and beautiful!

Its 58.3% gold gives its beautiful classic yellow hue. Not just that, 14K gold is also available as modern white gold or the romantic rose gold.

If you take care of your 14K gold, it will serve you for years to come. For example, your beautiful pair of 14K gold earrings will keep their shine for decades from now, as it does today!

14K Gold vs Other Karats

We already discussed the purity of the other karats. But let’s also take a look at the durability, colour, and cost! 22K and 24K are purer forms of gold, but they are not suitable for jewellery, so let’s take them out of the equation.

18K gold is richer and deeper in colour than 14K gold. But sadly, it is super expensive. Truly not a budget-friendly option for pieces you want to wear every day. It’s also not as sturdy.

The problem with 10K gold is quite the opposite. It is cheaper and even harder, but just 41.7% gold? The colour doesn’t have the same warmth, it’s rather dull!

Is 14K Gold Expensive or Cheap?

14K gold is usually on the lower end when you compare it to the other karats, but there are factors to consider here. First, the heavier your gold is, the more it will cost. The complexity of the design also ups the price a lot. After all, you are getting a beautiful, intricate design in return.

Lastly, where you are shopping also influences the price. Some brands believe their name alone should add extra pounds to the price, whereas some brands, despite being popular, try to keep the prices affordable for you!

14K gold, in general, is more affordable than its 18K and 24K counterparts, but a cheap price doesn’t mean cheap quality. A well-made 14K gold jewellery is a lasting investment. 

Is 14K gold luxury on a budget?

18K or 22K gold jewellery is used in high-end designer pieces. Sure, 14K gold jewellery is not in the same league as those of higher karat, but it is still a premium choice when it comes to jewellery you wear every day. 

So next time you buy a beautiful 14k gold jewellery, remember that you’re choosing something with a luxurious, special feel but without the hefty price of higher-karat options.

How Much Is 14K Gold Worth?

When you are out there shopping, you must know the answer to: How much is 1 gram of gold?

And it depends a lot on the current market conditions. As of May 2025, pure 24K gold is going for around £60-£70 per gram in the UK. On the same scale, that sets the price of 14K gold at about  £35-£40 per gram.

This price is just the cost of the raw gold. When it becomes jewellery, the cost of craftsmanship and other values are added in. A 14K gold ring may cost between £200-£800 when weight and design details are factored in. For a 14K gold chain, prices can range from £300 to £1,500, based on things like length and thickness. And if you’re eyeing some 14K gold earrings, expect to pay between £100 and £500; from simple studs to something more elaborate like chandelier styles. 

We discuss the price of 14K gold in even more depth. Check out our article: How Much Is 14K Gold Worth Compared to Other Karats?

How To Tell If a Gold Chain Is Real?

As we mentioned earlier, hallmark gold comes with stamps that prove its purity. You must check for this, as it gives you the peace of mind about what you are buying. A “14K” or “585” mark confirms the composition of gold. 

The gold may also come with a maker’s mark or an assay office stamp. They act as an authenticity certificate for your 14K gold jewellery, whether it is a chain, ring, or pair of earrings. A small piece of paper or mark that makes a big difference!

Apart from the stamp, you can also have your jeweller run an acid test or use an electronic tester. If you can’t go to the jeweller, we also have some tests you can conduct at home. Take up a magnet and see if your jewellery sticks to it. If it does, it is likely not gold jewellery as gold is not magnetic!

There are some old tricks with toothpaste and lemon juice, but do not fall for those! They are definitely not reliable, but what they would rather do is harm your jewellery. Don’t want that, right? Play it safe and go for trusted methods!

How to Avoid Tarnishes, Fading, or Scratches on 14K Gold

You know why pure gold is so loved? It is hypoallergenic, meaning it is naturally unreactive. It doesn’t care about air or water. However, the metals which make 14K gold so strong tend to be pretty reactive, and they will not like sweat, perfume, or chlorine. What this does is cause tarnish over time.

Now, does 14K gold fade? No, not really. The colour itself won’t wash off, but scratches or dirt can dull its shine a bit. As for scratches, the good news is that 14K gold is much more resistant than higher karat golds. That makes it a solid pick for everyday jewellery like rings or bracelets that might bump into things. 

How to protect 14K gold

If you are careful, it is so easy to prevent damage.  First, you should clean your jewellery pieces on a regular basis and even go for professional cleaning from time to time. 

Skip wearing them in the shower or bath. Shampoos and conditioners are good for your hair, but can be surprisingly harsh for your accessories. The same goes for swimming or working out. Oh, and an insider tip: put on your makeup before slipping on your jewellery!

If you’re curious about this topic, why not read our article: Will 14K Gold Tarnish? Everything You Need to Know.

Can I wear 14K gold every day?

14K gold is tough to beat when it comes to jewellery you want to wear day in and day out. Go ahead, type at your desk as your 14K gold bracelet or ring clings with your keyboard, or dance during a Saturday night out as your 14K gold earrings dangle; they will shine all day, every day!

Sure, 18K and above karats are amazing for investment, but when it comes to balancing between value, practicality and elegance, nothing beats 14K gold! The reason why we recommend 14K gold so much is because it’s perfect for your daily life. 

We are a fan of its durability because it allows us to go on with our day, wearing pretty pieces without any stress. Just keep a few things in mind, like taking it off when you’re sleeping, showering, or hitting the gym, and you’re good to go. Other than that, it’s like your cheerful, go-to buddy for any occasion!

How Do I Clean Gold?

Cleaning your gold jewellery isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. Just grab some mild dish soap and lukewarm water. You need a soft brush to gently scrub your 14K gold to remove any dirt or oil. After you rinse them thoroughly, take a soft cloth (that is lint-free) to dry them. A quick and easy routine!

The Don’ts

Here’s what you must avoid. Any harsh cleaners. Bleach, Ammonia or anything abrasive. Trust us, mild soap and warm water are enough! There’s no need to resort to chemical cleaners. Instead, you can spend that money on a professional cleaning every once in a while!

Don’t put all your jewellery together in one box. Use lined boxes or soft pouches so that your pieces don’t come in contact with each other, potentially causing scratches. 

Want more cleaning and care tips? We’ve got plenty of advice! Take a look at: How to Make Your Gold Jewellery Shine Like New.

Should I Buy 14K Gold? Is It Worth It?

By now, you know the answer is a big fat yes! The perfect combination of affordability, durability and beauty, what more can you ask for?

Not only does 14K gold hold immense value, but it’s sure to vibe with your world as well. You can wear it every day, but it won’t lose its shine and continue being an important, sentimental piece in your life. 

Durable enough for daily wear, gorgeous enough to make any moment feel a bit more special, and, best of all, it won’t break the bank whether you’re treating yourself or gifting someone special.

If you are ready to buy some beautiful 14K gold jewellery, take a look at Argent & Asher’s stunning collection. We have handcrafted gold jewellery that is designed by talented artisans to last you a lifetime.