At VIA Jewelers, we celebrate the enduring beauty and unmatched quality of 14k gold jewelry. Known for its perfect balance between purity and strength, 14k gold stands as the ideal choice for everyday elegance and lasting wear.
What is 14K Gold?
14k gold offers a luxurious sheen and substantial durability, making it an excellent investment for those who cherish both style and functionality in their jewelry. Its resistance to wear and tarnish ensures that your cherished pieces remain as radiant as the moments they commemorate.
Gold, identified by its chemical symbol Au and atomic number 79, is a naturally occurring element known for being the most ductile metal, making it exceptionally suited for crafting exquisite jewelry. 14K gold, a popular alloy, primarily consists of gold mixed with hardening metals like zinc, nickel, and copper, and is often coated with rhodium to enhance durability. The addition of these metals to gold, which is relatively soft in its pure form, fortifies the alloy. Specifically, 14 Karat gold is defined by its composition of 58.3% gold.
Owing to its robustness and affordability, 14 Karat gold is the preferred choice for crafting engagement rings, eternity bands, pendants, earrings, and other pieces of fine jewelry. It is estimated that 90% of all engagement and wedding rings purchased are fashioned from 14K gold.
In the United States, gold jewelry is marked with a “hallmark stamp” that indicates its karatage, such as 14K or 14Kt, to certify its authenticity and gold content.
Is 14K Gold Genuine?
Absolutely, 14K gold is real gold. Despite common misconceptions, very few jewelry items, including engagement rings, earrings, or frequently worn pieces, are crafted from 100% pure, 24K gold.
This is primarily because pure, 24K gold is exceedingly soft, rendering it susceptible to scratches, distortions, and deformations. We delve into this topic more deeply below, highlighting the reasons why 14K gold is often considered the optimal choice for an engagement ring.
14K Gold Purity
Given that pure gold is too malleable for daily wear, gold jewelry is typically crafted from a metal alloy. 14K gold consists of gold combined with hardy metals such as zinc, nickel, silver, and copper, and is often coated with rhodium for added durability. This composition is notable for its resistance to corrosion, rust, and tarnishing.
The purity of gold is measured in karats, which are denoted in 24ths and marked by a number followed by “k.” For instance, 24K gold is pure gold. 18K gold contains 75% gold, while 14K gold comprises 58.3% gold.
14K White Gold
White gold is an alloy composed of pure gold and white metals such as silver, nickel, and palladium, typically coated with rhodium to achieve its lustrous finish. 14K white gold stands out as a fashionable metal choice, especially flattering for individuals with rosy or fair complexions.
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Benefits of 14K White Gold:
- Enjoying more popularity than yellow gold
- More cost-effective than platinum, yet offers a comparable aesthetic
- Fortified with stronger metals compared to yellow gold alloys, enhancing its durability and scratch resistance
- Believed by some vendors and buyers to enhance the appearance of white diamonds more than yellow gold does
- Flatters rosy or fair skin tones
Drawbacks of 14K White Gold:
- Needs re-plating every few years to maintain its color and shine, although the re-plating process is affordable and often provided as a complimentary service by jewelers.
- The inclusion of nickel may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. White gold is only hypoallergenic if it is alloyed with metals other than nickel.
14K White Gold Pricing
The price difference between the various colors of 14K gold (white, yellow, and rose) is minimal. Despite its resemblance to the more expensive platinum, 14K white gold is an accessible option offering excellent value.
The specifics regarding 14K white gold pricing are further elaborated in our pricing section below. Generally, an engagement ring in 14K white gold should not cost more than a comparable ring in another gold hue of the same karat purity.
14K Yellow Gold
Yellow gold combines pure gold with alloy metals such as zinc and copper.
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Benefits of 14K Yellow Gold:
- The most hypoallergenic among the three types of gold
- Traditionally favored for wedding and engagement bands
- Suitable for vintage-style settings
- Exhibits the purest gold color
- Easiest to maintain over time
- Soft and malleable, allowing for easy crafting by jewelers
- Matches well with olive and darker skin tones
- Complements lower diamond color grades well
Drawbacks of 14K Yellow Gold:
- Requires frequent polishing and cleaning to preserve its beauty
- Prone to scratches and dents
14K Rose Gold
Rose gold, encompassing red, rose, and pink gold shades, is created by alloying pure gold with copper, giving it a distinctive rose color. The higher the copper content, the redder the gold. As with white gold, pure rose gold does not exist; it is always an alloy.
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Advantages of 14K Rose Gold:
- Fashionable for both men’s and women’s rings
- Viewed as the most romantic metal due to its pinkish-red color
- Generally more affordable since copper is less expensive than other alloys
- Extra durability from the copper makes rose gold slightly tougher than white or yellow gold
- Flatters all skin tones
Disadvantages of 14K Rose Gold:
- Not hypoallergenic, potentially causing allergic reactions for some
- Less readily available than white or yellow gold, despite its popularity
VIA Jewelers’ 14k Gold Collection
Our curated collection of 14k gold jewelry embodies sophistication and versatility. From classic engagement rings to modern minimalist designs, each piece is crafted to celebrate life’s special moments. VIA Jewelers is dedicated to offering you jewelry that is not only beautiful but also an emblem of sustainable luxury.
Embrace Sustainable Elegance
Choosing 14k gold is not just a statement of style; it’s a commitment to responsible luxury. VIA Jewelers prides itself on ethically sourced materials, ensuring that your choice reflects both your values and your sense of fashion.
Celebrate your milestones with Via Jewelers’ 14k solid gold pieces – where elegance meets timeless durability.
