- Jewelry Identifier
- Gold alloys
- 14K Yellow Gold
* 14K gold
14K Yellow Gold: what it's made of, its purity, and its value
Dominant US standard. Harder and more durable than K18; slightly less saturated yellow. Most common US engagement-ring metal.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Karat
- 14K
- Purity
- 58.5%
- Fineness
- 585/1000
- Color
- Yellow
- Density
- 13.4 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 882 °C
What it's made of
- Gold
- 58.5%
- Silver
- 25%
- Copper
- 16.5%
The gold content is fixed at 58.5% — that's what makes it 14K. The remaining metals are what set the color: Silver and copper are added mainly for hardness; they leave the warm yellow of the gold largely intact.
About 14K Yellow Gold
Dominant US standard. Harder and more durable than K18; slightly less saturated yellow. Most common US engagement-ring metal.
How much it's worth
The melt value of a 14K Yellow Gold piece is gold spot price × 0.585 × weight (g), because only 58.5% of the metal is gold. A buyer then deducts roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a cash offer lands just under that figure. Higher-karat gold packs in more gold per gram, so it carries a higher melt value — but it's also softer and scratches more easily, which is why everyday jewelry often uses lower karats.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. How much gold is in 14K Yellow Gold?
- A. 58.5% by weight. 14K means 14 parts gold out of 24, which works out to 585/1000 fineness — the rest is alloy metals added for color and durability.
- Q. Is 14K Yellow Gold real gold?
- A. Yes. 14K is genuine gold — it's 58.5% pure gold by weight, alloyed with other metals. It is not gold-plated or gold-filled; the gold runs all the way through.
- Q. Why is 14K Yellow Gold yellow?
- A. The color comes from the metals mixed with the gold. Silver and copper are added mainly for hardness; they leave the warm yellow of the gold largely intact.
- Q. Will 14K Yellow Gold tarnish or cause skin reactions?
- A. Solid 14K gold doesn't tarnish, and this alloy is nickel-free, so skin reactions are rare. Surface films usually come from skin oils or lotions and wipe off with a soft cloth.
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