What is 14K gold? The 585 stamp, purity and value explained

September 29, 20265 min read

Four Heon 14K gold rope chains in different widths draped over travertine stone

14K gold is an alloy of 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metals, such as silver, copper and zinc. That makes it 58.5% pure gold, which is why it is stamped 585. The other metals make it harder than purer gold, so 14K keeps a warm gold color while standing up to everyday wear. That balance is why it is one of the most popular golds for fine jewelry in the US.

In this guide8

58.5%pure gold in every piece

585the stamp that marks it

14 / 24parts pure gold, by karat

What does 585 mean on gold?

585 is the fineness mark for 14K gold: 585 parts pure gold per 1,000 parts of metal. Europe and much of the world mark gold this way, and many US pieces carry both marks.

Why 585 and not 583? Karats count in 24ths, and 14 ÷ 24 comes to 58.33%. The 585 standard rounds that up, so a piece marked 585 contains at least 58.5% gold, never a little less.

Gold casting grain in a small ivory ceramic dish on travertine — Jewelers melt pure gold with measured amounts of other metals to make each karat. 14K is 585 parts gold per 1,000.

14K vs. 10K, 18K and 24K gold

Karat measures purity: the higher the number, the more gold and the softer the metal. Choose a karat below to compare.

Gold purity by karat

Karat	Stamp	Pure gold	What it is like
10K	417	41.7%	The hardest and most affordable karat, with a paler color. It is the lowest karat that can be sold as gold in the US.
14K	585	58.5%	The everyday balance: a warm, rich gold color, and hard enough for chains, rings and earrings worn every day.
18K	750	75%	A deeper yellow and noticeably softer, so it scratches and bends more easily. It costs more per gram.
24K	999	99.9%	Almost pure gold: deep yellow and very soft. It is used mostly for bullion and some traditional jewelry, rarely for everyday chains.

Is 14K or 18K gold better?

For jewelry you wear every day, 14K is usually the better choice. It is harder than 18K, so fine chains, prongs and clasps hold their shape, and it costs less per gram. 18K has more gold and a deeper yellow, which makes sense for special-occasion pieces or if you simply prefer that richer color.

24K is too soft for most jewelry. A 24K chain would stretch, and a 24K ring would scratch and bend with ordinary wear, which is the main reason jewelers alloy gold in the first place.

Is 14K gold real gold?

Yes. 14K gold is real gold all the way through, not a coating. The same 58.5% gold runs through every part of the piece, with the other 41.5% mixed evenly into it, so there is nothing to flake or wear through.

That other 41.5% also sets the color. More copper gives rose gold, more white metals give white gold, and a mix of silver and copper gives classic yellow gold. All three contain the same amount of gold.

Not sure what you have? Our guide on how to tell if gold is real walks you through the stamp and four more safe checks.

Is 14K gold good quality for everyday wear?

Yes. 14K is one of the most practical golds for daily wear. Here is what to expect:

Durability: it resists bending and deep scratches far better than 18K or 24K. Like all gold, it picks up fine surface marks over time, and a polish brings back the shine.
Water: showering in it is fine. Take it off before swimming in a pool or the sea and before workouts. Chlorine and salt are hard on every gold alloy.
Shine: it won’t rust or wear through. Lotion, perfume and skin oils can leave a light film, and warm water with a drop of mild soap removes it.
Skin: 14K is gold mixed with other metals. If you know you react to a particular metal, ask about the alloy before you buy.

Our guide to cleaning 14K gold jewelry has the full routine, and our guide to layering gold necklaces shows how to wear several 14K chains together.

Is 14K gold worth anything?

Yes. 14K gold holds real value because 58.5% of its weight is pure gold. To estimate the metal value of a piece, multiply its weight in grams by 0.585, then by the day’s price for a gram of pure gold.

10 ga 14K gold chain

× 0.585its gold share

5.85 gof pure gold inside

Gold buyers usually pay a share of that melt value. The price of a new piece is higher, because it also covers design, craftsmanship, finishing and the clasp, not only the metal. Gold prices change daily, so check a current spot price for a live figure.

Why Heon works in 14K gold

We chose 14K because it is the karat you can wear every day without thinking about it. Every Heon piece is 14K gold (58.5% pure gold), stamped 585, never plated or filled, and ships with a certificate of authenticity.

Most of our pieces are solid 14K gold all the way through, like the belcher chain, the herringbone chain and the four-leaf clover necklace. A few chains, such as the Miami Cuban link chain, are semi-hollow, with a thick gold wall around a small core that keeps bold widths light. So are our chunky hoops, puffed hearts and dome rings. They are the same 14K gold, and our guide to solid vs. hollow gold chains lists every one.

Frequently asked questions

Is 585 gold the same as 14K gold?

Yes. 585 and 14K describe the same gold: 585 parts pure gold per 1,000, or 14 parts per 24. Some pieces carry one mark, some both.

Will 14K gold tarnish?

14K gold doesn’t rust, and it can’t wear through to another metal because it is gold all the way through. Over time lotion, perfume and skin oils can leave a light film that dulls the shine. Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth bring it back.

Can you shower with 14K gold?

Yes, showering in 14K gold is fine. Take it off before swimming in a pool or the sea, before workouts, and when you use household chemicals.

Why don’t jewelers use 24K gold?

24K gold is almost pure, which makes it very soft. Chains stretch, clasps bend and rings scratch quickly, so most jewelers alloy gold to 14K or 18K for pieces meant to be worn.

Is 14K gold better than 10K?

14K has more gold (58.5% vs. 41.7%) and a richer color. 10K is a little harder and costs less. For fine jewelry, 14K is the more common choice because it balances color, value and strength.

Shop 14K gold jewelry