Is 14K gold real gold?

Yes. 14K gold is real gold and contains approximately 58.3% pure gold. The remaining portion is made from other metals that improve strength, durability and color. Because of its balance of gold content and durability, 14K gold is one of the most popular choices for everyday fine jewelry.

Is 18K gold better than 14K gold?

Neither is automatically better—the right choice depends on how the jewelry will be worn. 18K gold contains 75% pure gold, giving it a richer gold color and higher precious-metal content. 14K gold contains approximately 58.3% pure gold and is generally more resistant to everyday wear. Both are excellent choices for fine jewelry.

What does 585 mean on gold jewelry?

A 585 hallmark means the jewelry contains approximately 58.5% pure gold, which corresponds to 14-karat gold. The number represents the gold content in parts per thousand. The 585 mark is commonly found on European and Italian-made 14K gold jewelry.

What does 750 mean on gold jewelry?

A 750 hallmark indicates 75% pure gold, which is equivalent to 18-karat gold. You may frequently see the 750 mark on European and Italian gold jewelry instead of—or alongside—an 18K stamp.

Is white gold real gold?

Yes. White gold is real gold. It is created by combining pure gold with other metals that give the alloy a lighter, whiter appearance. Many white gold jewelry pieces are also finished with rhodium plating to create a bright white surface.

Why does white gold need rhodium plating?

Rhodium plating gives white gold its bright, reflective white finish. Because rhodium is applied to the surface of the jewelry, it can gradually wear away over time, particularly on rings and other frequently worn pieces. White gold jewelry can be professionally replated to restore its original bright appearance.

Is rose gold real gold?

Yes. Rose gold is real gold. Its pink or reddish color is created by combining gold with a higher proportion of copper in the alloy. A 14K rose gold piece contains the same approximate percentage of pure gold as 14K yellow or white gold—the difference is primarily in the metals used to create its color.

Can real gold jewelry tarnish?

Pure 24K gold is highly resistant to tarnishing, but most jewelry is made from gold alloys such as 14K or 18K. The other metals in those alloys can react with moisture, chemicals or environmental conditions and may cause discoloration or dullness over time. In most cases, professional cleaning and polishing can restore the jewelry's appearance.

Does gold-plated jewelry wear off?

Yes. Gold plating can gradually wear away because the gold exists only as a thin layer on the surface of another metal. How quickly this happens depends on the thickness of the plating, how often the jewelry is worn and its exposure to friction, moisture, lotions, perfumes and chemicals.

What is the best gold karat for everyday jewelry?

For most everyday fine jewelry, 14K and 18K gold provide an excellent balance of beauty, durability and precious-metal content. 14K gold is generally more resistant to wear, while 18K gold offers a higher gold content and richer color. The best choice depends on the type of jewelry and how frequently it will be worn.

What makes Italian gold jewelry different?

Italian gold jewelry is internationally recognized for its design, craftsmanship, finishing techniques and jewelry-making tradition. Italian gold is not automatically purer than gold made elsewhere—a piece marked 14K or 585 has the same approximate gold content regardless of where it was manufactured. The distinction is often found in the quality of design, construction and finishing.

How can I tell if a piece of gold jewelry is real?

Start by looking for a karat or fineness hallmark, such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 417, 585 or 750. However, a stamp alone does not guarantee authenticity. A professional jeweler can examine and test a piece to help determine its gold content and construction without relying solely on the hallmark.

Gold Jewelry Guide: 10K, 14K & 18K Gold | Arezzo Jewelers

Learn 10K vs 14K vs 18K gold, yellow vs white vs rose gold, Italian gold hallmarks, alloys and care from Arezzo Jewelers in Elmwood Park, IL.

What Does Karat Mean in Gold Jewelry

10K vs. 14K vs. 18K vs. 22K vs. 24K Gold
Gold Karat	Pure Gold Content	Common Fineness Mark	Durability	Best For
10K Gold	41.7% gold	417	Very durable	Affordable, durable jewelry designed for frequent everyday wear.
14K Gold	58.3% gold	585	Excellent durability	Everyday fine jewelry, engagement rings, chains, bracelets and other frequently worn pieces.
18K Gold	75% gold	750	Durable, but softer than 14K	Fine and luxury jewelry with a richer gold color and higher precious-metal content.
22K Gold	91.7% gold	916 / 917	Soft	High-purity gold jewelry where rich yellow color and gold content are prioritized over durability.
24K Gold	Approximately 99.9% gold	999 / 999.9	Very soft	High-purity gold pieces, investment gold and jewelry where maximum gold purity is desired.

Which gold karat is best for jewelry? For most everyday fine jewelry, 14K and 18K gold offer the best balance of beauty, gold content and durability. 14K gold is more resistant to everyday wear because it contains a higher percentage of strengthening alloy metals, while 18K gold contains more pure gold and typically has a richer yellow color. Higher-purity 22K and 24K gold are considerably softer and are generally less practical for jewelry exposed to frequent wear.

Gold jewelry is both timeless and enchanting, but there's more to it than meets the eye.

At Arezzo Jewelers, we often encounter questions about gold's various colors and qualities. Let's demystify some of these aspects for our valued customers.

The short answer is that yes, pure gold is indeed yellow. While pure gold indeed boasts a classic yellow hue, it's too soft for everyday jewelry. To enhance its durability, gold is mixed with other metals.

This process, known as alloying, strengthens the gold, making it perfect for your favorite pieces.

Gold Jewelry vs. Gold-Plated Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

Gold jewelry and gold-plated jewelry can look similar when new, but they are very different in how they are made, how they wear over time, and their overall value. Jewelry made from 14K or 18K gold contains gold throughout the metal alloy, while gold-plated jewelry has only a thin layer of gold applied over another metal.

Type	How It’s Made	Gold Content	Durability	Long-Term Value
14K or 18K Gold Jewelry	Made from a gold alloy throughout the piece.	14K contains approximately 58.3% pure gold; 18K contains 75% pure gold.	Designed for long-term wear. Scratches can usually be polished and the jewelry can often be repaired or refinished.	Contains measurable precious-metal value and can last for generations when properly cared for.
Gold-Plated Jewelry	A thin layer of gold is applied over another metal using plating or electroplating.	Only the outer surface contains gold; the underlying piece is made from another metal.	The gold layer can gradually wear away, particularly on jewelry exposed to frequent friction, moisture or everyday wear.	Generally has significantly less intrinsic gold value because only a thin surface layer is gold.

Is 14K or 18K Gold the Same as Gold Plated?

No. A piece marked 14K or 18K gold is made from a gold alloy containing a specific percentage of pure gold throughout the metal. Gold-plated jewelry, by comparison, consists primarily of another metal with gold applied only to its surface.

For jewelry intended to be worn and enjoyed for many years, 14K and 18K gold offer greater durability, repairability and precious-metal value than conventional gold-plated jewelry.

Gold's color spectrum is as varied as it is fascinating. The secret lies in the unique mix of metals used in the alloy. For instance:

Yellow Gold: A blend of silver, copper, and zinc creates this classic gold color. The exact mix dictates the final shade, from deep, rich tones to lighter hues.

White Gold: Achieved by adding white metals like nickel, palladium, and zinc, white gold often receives a rhodium plating for an extra shine. This addresses its natural, slightly gray tinge.

Rose Gold: This romantic shade emerges from a higher copper content mixed with some silver. Depending on the proportions, you might hear it called red, pink, or rose gold.

Fashion in gold jewelry is cyclical, with all three colors always in style. Yellow gold brings traditional elegance, white gold offers a modern touch, and rose gold, currently in vogue, appeals to those who adore a touch of romance.

At Arezzo Jewelers, we take pride in specializing in Italian gold jewelry, renowned worldwide for its unmatched quality and craftsmanship.

The artisans in Italy, hailing from regions with centuries-old jewelry-making traditions like Arezzo, Vicenza and Valenza, are masters of their craft.

They combine innovative techniques with age-old skills to create pieces that are not only stunning but also embody a rich cultural heritage.

This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each piece is a work of art, reflecting both elegance and the pinnacle of craftsmanship.

When you choose Italian gold from Arezzo Jewelers, you're not just buying jewelry; you're investing in a legacy of unparalleled quality and beauty that is treasured across generations.

This Gold Jewelry Guide has been reviewed by Vincent Spilotro, GIA Graduate Gemologist and owner of Arezzo Jewelers in Elmwood Park, Illinois.

Vincent is a second-generation jeweler with more than two decades of experience working with fine jewelry, diamonds, gemstones, custom design and Italian gold. As Arezzo Jewelers’ lead designer, he works directly with customers to help them understand jewelry quality, materials, craftsmanship and value.

Arezzo Jewelers specializes in 14K and 18K gold jewelry, Italian-made gold jewelry, custom engagement rings and fine jewelry, with a strong emphasis on education and helping customers make informed decisions about what they are buying.

If you’re comparing 14K and 18K gold, trying to understand a gold hallmark such as 585 or 750, or simply want to know more about the quality and construction of a piece of jewelry, the team at Arezzo Jewelers is here to help.

Located in Elmwood Park, Illinois, Arezzo Jewelers serves customers throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with a curated selection of 14K and 18K gold jewelry, Italian-made gold jewelry, engagement rings and custom-designed pieces.

Our jewelers can help you evaluate gold jewelry in person, explain differences in karat, construction and craftsmanship, and help you choose a piece that fits how you plan to wear it.

Visit Arezzo Jewelers in Elmwood Park or schedule an appointment to speak with one of our jewelry experts.

Arezzo Jewelers is committed to helping you find the gold jewelry that perfectly complements your unique style. With a rich selection of 10K, 14K, and 18K gold designs, you can be confident in your choice, knowing you've selected a timeless piece of exceptional quality. We invite you to visit our Elmwood Park store and experience firsthand the elegance and craftsmanship that sets our collection apart. Let us help you find your next cherished piece today.

Gold Jewelry Guide: 10K, 14K & 18K Gold | Arezzo Jewelers

Gold Jewelry Facts
Karats, Colors, Purity & Italian Gold Explained

What Does Karat Mean in Gold Jewelry

Why Isn't All Gold Yellow?

The 24-Karat System: A Glimpse into History

Gold Jewelry vs. Gold-Plated Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

Does Gold-Plated Jewelry Wear Off?

Is 14K or 18K Gold the Same as Gold Plated?

Yellow Gold vs. White Gold vs. Rose Gold:
What's the Difference?

Choosing the Right Gold

The Excellence of Italian Gold Jewelry at Arezzo Jewelers

Reviewed by Vincent Spilotro, GIA Graduate Gemologist

Have Questions About Gold Jewelry? Visit Arezzo Jewelers in Elmwood Park

Learn how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy or manage cookie preferences.

Gold Jewelry Guide: 10K, 14K & 18K Gold | Arezzo Jewelers

Gold Jewelry FactsKarats, Colors, Purity & Italian Gold Explained

What Does Karat Mean in Gold Jewelry

Why Isn't All Gold Yellow?

The 24-Karat System: A Glimpse into History

Gold Jewelry vs. Gold-Plated Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

Does Gold-Plated Jewelry Wear Off?

Is 14K or 18K Gold the Same as Gold Plated?

Yellow Gold vs. White Gold vs. Rose Gold: What's the Difference?

Choosing the Right Gold

The Excellence of Italian Gold Jewelry at Arezzo Jewelers

Reviewed by Vincent Spilotro, GIA Graduate Gemologist

Have Questions About Gold Jewelry? Visit Arezzo Jewelers in Elmwood Park

Gold Jewelry Facts
Karats, Colors, Purity & Italian Gold Explained

Yellow Gold vs. White Gold vs. Rose Gold:
What's the Difference?