How to tell if a ring is 14 karat gold

Gold is one of the most appreciated and used metals in jewelry, but there are also imitations and counterfeits that can deceive us. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize real gold and its purity. In this blog I am going to show you some tips and tricks to know if a ring is made of 14 karat gold, which is one of the most common types of gold.

What does 14 karat mean?

Carats are a measure that indicates the proportion of pure gold that an alloy contains. Pure gold is 24 carat gold, but it is very soft and easily deformed, so it is usually mixed with other metals such as silver, copper or nickel to give it more resistance and durability.

14 karat gold is 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metals. It is a type of gold widely used in jewelry because it has a good balance between quality and price. Its color can vary depending on the metals it is mixed with, from classic yellow to white or pink.

How to recognize 14 carat gold?

There are several methods to tell if a ring is 14 karat gold or not. Some are simpler and more homemade, and others require specialized tools or professionals. Let's see some of them:

Look at the mark: All gold jewelry usually has a mark or stamp that indicates its karat purity. The most common symbol for 14 karat gold is 14K, but it can also appear as 585, which means it is 58.5% pure gold . The mark is usually on the inside of the ring and can be very small, so you can use a magnifying glass to see it better.
Test with a magnet: Gold is a non-magnetic metal, that is, it is not attracted to magnets. If you pass a magnet through the ring and it sticks, it means that it is not made of gold or that it has a very low amount of this metal .
Try white vinegar: White vinegar is a mild acid that can react with some metals and change their color. If you submerge the ring in white vinegar for a few minutes and see that it darkens or stains, it means that it is not made of gold or that it has a very thin layer of this metal .
Fire proof: Gold is a metal that is highly resistant to heat and does not burn or oxidize easily. If you hold a flame close to the ring for a few seconds and see that it does not change color or deteriorate, it may be proof that it is made of gold . However, this method can be dangerous and damage the ring or stone it is set with.
Nitric acid test: Nitric acid is a chemical reagent that changes color depending on the purity of the gold. It is one of the most reliable and accurate methods to tell if a ring is 14 karat gold or not . However, it requires care and protection when handling it, and can damage the ring if not done correctly. Therefore, it is best to leave this test in the hands of a professional jeweler or a specialized laboratory.