14K
14K gold
14K gold is about 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals. It is common because it balances gold content, durability, and price. For melt value, only the gold portion counts.
Gold Guide
Gold marks and purity explained.
Learn what common gold stamps mean, how karat converts to purity, and how to estimate melt value before buying or selling jewelry.
Read the mark, but do not stop there
Gold jewelry is often stamped with marks like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, 417, 585, 750, 916, or 999. These marks are a starting point. They tell you what the item is supposed to be, but wear, repairs, plating, counterfeit marks, and mixed parts can change the real value.
MarkApprox. gold purityCommon use
10K / 41741.7%Durable lower-karat jewelry
14K / 58558.3%Common US jewelry
18K / 75075.0%Higher-purity jewelry
22K / 91691.6%High-karat jewelry and coins
24K / 99999.9%Fine gold bullion
Understand 14K vs 18K gold
18K
18K gold
18K gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals. It usually has a richer gold color and higher melt value per gram than 14K, but may be softer depending on the alloy.
Convert the mark into melt value
To estimate melt value, weigh the item, choose the matching purity in the calculator, confirm the current gold spot price, and calculate. If the item has stones, steel springs, non-gold clasps, or weighted parts, subtract those before relying on the number.
Open calculatorKnow when to test
Test when the stamp is missing, damaged, suspicious, or inconsistent with the item. Acid testing, electronic testing, and XRF testing provide different levels of confidence. For higher-value items, professional testing is worth the extra certainty.