The carat (ct) is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. The higher the number, the more pure gold the alloy contains. 14ct gold is 14 parts gold out of 24, which works out to 58.33% pure gold. The remaining parts are other metals such as copper, silver, or zinc.
In the UK, 14ct gold is hallmarked as '585' - this is the millesimal fineness figure. Some older items may be stamped '14ct' or simply '14'. In the United States, the same purity is written as '14k' or '14kt'. Continental Europe sometimes rounds the figure up to 58.5%, which is where the '585' hallmark figure comes from.
14ct gold is available in yellow, rose, and white. Copper gives the alloy a warmer, more reddish tone (rose gold). Metals such as silver, zinc, and palladium produce a whiter colour. An even mix of copper and silver gives the classic yellow.
How Much is 14ct Gold Worth Per Gram in the UK?
There are two prices to be aware of, and understanding the difference is important.
The spot price is the live market rate for gold. It changes constantly and reflects what gold trades for on international markets. You will never receive the spot price for scrap gold - any dealer suggesting otherwise should be treated with caution, as this figure does not account for processing costs or the dealer's operating costs.
The scrap price is the actual rate a dealer pays you per gram. This is the number that matters when you're selling.
- The live spot price of 14ct gold is currently £66.20 / g.
- Gold Traders scrap price for 14ct gold is currently £60.74 / g.
We publish both figures so you can see exactly where our rate sits relative to the market. Most dealers don't do this. For a full overview of all our rates, visit our scrap gold prices page.
Watch Out for 'Free' Envelope Companies
When you're ready to sell, you have two options with Gold Traders. You can fill out our claim form and post your gold to us using Royal Mail Special Delivery (insured and tracked - always keep your proof of postage). Or you can visit one of our two trade counters in person, in Royal Wootton Bassett or Bodmin, Monday to Friday. Walk-ins are welcome.
Some 'cash-for-gold' companies make the process look simple by sending out free postage bags. But those bags cost around £10 each, and that cost comes out of your payout. These companies rarely publish their actual rates, and the worst of them pay 60% or more below what you'd receive from us.
If you've already sent items to a freepost company and aren't happy with the offer, our free gold price match tools can help you push back and negotiate a better payout.
How to Identify 14ct Gold
The easiest way is to check the hallmark. Look for '585', '14ct', or '14'. Our hallmark wizard can help you decode any hallmark you're not sure about.
We test all items on our premises using an XRF (x-ray fluorescence) machine. This is a non-destructive test that gives an accurate reading without leaving any mark on your item.
One thing worth knowing - 14ct is a popular purity in countries such as Greece and Italy, but those countries do not have an official hallmarking standard. In our experience, items marked as 14ct (or 14k) from Greece are sometimes slightly under-carat, coming in closer to 55% purity. We account for this in our testing, so your valuation will always reflect the actual gold content.
14ct Gold Jewellery
14ct is a popular choice for everyday jewellery because it offers a good balance of gold content and durability. Higher purities like 22ct and 24ct contain more gold but are softer metals, which makes them more prone to scratching and wear over time. 14ct holds up better for pieces that are worn regularly.
It is commonly used for rings (including men's rings and engagement rings), chains, bracelets, pendants, and earrings. Because of its widespread use across Europe and the United States, it is one of the most common purities we see at our counters.
We buy 14ct gold jewellery in any condition - broken, tangled, missing stones, or simply unwanted. The condition of the piece does not affect the rate we pay, as we value based on gold content and weight.
Sell Your 14ct Gold with Gold Traders
If you know the weight of your items, you can use our scrap gold calculator to get an estimated figure before you commit to anything. Don't worry if your home scales aren't particularly accurate - we use calibrated, Trading Standards-approved scales to determine the exact weight and work out your offer.
Gold Traders was the first precious metals company in the UK to receive Trading Standards accreditation through the national Buy With Confidence scheme. You can sell with confidence knowing you're dealing with a fully vetted, accredited business.
