Is white gold worth less than yellow 14K gold?

No, once confirmed as 14K, white and yellow gold have the same gold content and are valued identically on melt — the color comes from different alloy metals, not different purity.

What's the difference between 14K and 14K gold-filled?

Solid 14K is 58.3% gold throughout the item. Gold-filled is a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal core and is worth only a small fraction of solid gold's value, so the stamp matters a great deal.

Does a broken clasp lower my chain's value?

No. Scrap gold value is based on weight and purity, so a broken chain is worth the same per gram as an intact one.

Can rose gold and yellow gold both be 14K?

Yes. Rose gold gets its color from a higher copper content in the alloy, but it can still be exactly 14K, 58.3% pure gold, just like yellow gold.

Pricing

14K Gold Value Guide

14K gold is 58.3% pure gold by weight and the most common karat in American fine jewelry, from wedding bands to everyday chains and bracelets.

Published August 4, 2026 · Gold King, Houston TX

14K gold chains and a wedding band on a jeweler's scale

The purity math behind 14K

14K gold contains 14 of 24 parts pure gold, or 58.3% gold by weight, alloyed with metals such as copper, silver, palladium or nickel depending on whether the piece is yellow, white or rose gold. It's the karat American jewelers settled on decades ago as the sweet spot between gold content and everyday strength, which is why it dominates U.S. wedding bands, chains and engagement ring settings.

To find melt value, multiply grams by 0.583, then by the current spot price per gram. A 10-gram 14K wedding band at a $75/gram spot price comes to 10 x 0.583 x $75 = $437.25 in gold content, before factoring in any brand or design premium.

Where 14K shows up

In the U.S. market, 14K is the default karat for wedding bands, engagement ring mountings, tennis bracelets, rope and figaro chains, and the vast majority of mall and department store fine jewelry sold over the last several decades. White gold pieces are almost always 14K rather than a higher karat, since more alloy is needed to achieve a convincing white tone.

Rose gold, which has become popular again in the last decade, is also typically 14K, with a higher copper content responsible for its pink tone. Both variations test and price identically to yellow 14K once purity is confirmed — color doesn't change the gold percentage.

Hallmarks to look for

Look for '14K,' '14KT,' or '.583' stamped inside a ring band or near a chain's clasp. American manufacturers commonly add their own trademark or logo alongside the karat stamp, which can sometimes help identify the maker.

'14K' or '14KT' — standard American stamp
'.583' — the decimal purity equivalent
'14K GF' or 'GP' — gold-filled or gold-plated, not solid gold
Manufacturer's trademark often stamped near the karat mark

What to know before you sell

Because 14K is the most widely bought and sold karat in America, buyers see it constantly and can quote it quickly once tested. Watch carefully for '14K GF' or '14K GP' stamps — gold-filled and gold-plated items look identical to solid 14K but contain only a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal, worth a small fraction of solid gold's melt value.

Broken clasps, missing stones, and tangled chains don't reduce a 14K item's scrap value — the gold weight and purity are what count. If a chain has a designer name plate or brand stamp, mention it during appraisal, since some branded pieces carry resale value above melt.

Sell your 14K gold in Houston

Gold King tests every 14K item with an electronic tester or acid test in front of you and prices it against the live spot price before making an offer. We buy wedding bands, chains, bracelets and broken 14K jewelry every day.

Stop by 6809 Southwest Freeway, open daily 10:00 AM to 8:45 PM, or call 713-997-0875 ahead of time. A valid photo ID is required under Texas law for any precious metal sale.

Ready to sell? Gold King buys these items in Houston every day — sell gold in Houston, cash for gold in Houston, jewelry buyer in Houston and sell estate jewelry in Houston. Every appraisal is free, and payment is cash on the spot.

Keep reading

These Gold King guides cover the same subject from different angles:

Selling from outside central Houston? We buy from Houston, West University Place and Memorial customers every week.

Start at the Gold King homepage for everything we buy, or contact our Houston store for a free appraisal and a same-day cash offer.

Questions about this guide

Is white gold worth less than yellow 14K gold?: No, once confirmed as 14K, white and yellow gold have the same gold content and are valued identically on melt — the color comes from different alloy metals, not different purity.
What's the difference between 14K and 14K gold-filled?: Solid 14K is 58.3% gold throughout the item. Gold-filled is a thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal core and is worth only a small fraction of solid gold's value, so the stamp matters a great deal.
Does a broken clasp lower my chain's value?: No. Scrap gold value is based on weight and purity, so a broken chain is worth the same per gram as an intact one.
Can rose gold and yellow gold both be 14K?: Yes. Rose gold gets its color from a higher copper content in the alloy, but it can still be exactly 14K, 58.3% pure gold, just like yellow gold.