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What Does Gold 585 Mean?

 

Gold is a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items, but not all gold is created equal. One common term you might come across, especially when shopping for jewelry in the United States, is "14K gold." But what does this mean? Let's break it down.

 

Understanding Gold Purity

 

Gold purity is measured in karats (K), with 24K representing pure gold. However, pure gold is soft and can be easily damaged, which is why it's often mixed with other metals to increase its strength and durability. This mixture is known as an alloy.

 

What is 14K Gold?

 

14K gold means that the alloy contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, making it 58.5% pure gold. This is where the number "585" comes from. In many countries, gold purity is often marked using parts per thousand. So, 14K gold is marked as "585," indicating that it is 585 parts out of 1,000 pure gold.

 

Why Choose 14K Gold?

 

There are several reasons why 14K gold is a popular choice for jewelry:

 

Durability: The added metals make 14K gold more durable than higher karat gold, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Affordability: Because it contains less pure gold, 14K gold is more affordable than 18K or 24K gold, offering a good balance of quality and cost.

Appearance: 14K gold has a beautiful, rich color that closely resembles higher karat gold but without the premium price tag.

Types of 14K Gold

 

14K gold comes in various colors, depending on the metals used in the alloy:

 

Yellow Gold: Mixed with metals like copper and zinc, yellow gold retains the classic gold color.

White Gold: Alloyed with metals such as nickel or palladium, white gold has a silvery-white appearance and is often coated with rhodium for added shine and protection.

Rose Gold: Created by adding more copper to the alloy, rose gold has a warm, pinkish hue.