The Encyclopedia · Metals & marks
14 karat gold
Gold alloy of 58.5 percent pure gold, marked 14K or 585, long the American standard.
Fourteen karat gold contains 14 parts gold out of 24, or 58.5 percent, and is marked 14K or 585. It has long been the most common standard for American jewelry, and many pieces made in New York by Tiffany & Co. and others in the mid-twentieth century are in 14 karat gold.
It is harder than 18 karat and slightly paler in color.
What to look for
A 14 karat piece from a house that worked mainly in 18 karat is often American-made, which is part of its story rather than a flaw.
In the collection
14 karat gold, available now
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