Explaining 10k, 14k, 18k, and 22k Gold Purity
Apr 18, 2023
{
"Title": "Explaining 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K Gold Purity and Value Basics",
"Date": "04/18/23",
"Content": "
Understanding Gold Purity for Everyday Sellers
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Whether you’ve inherited old jewelry, have broken chains, or found dental crowns tucked away in a drawer, one of the first questions you may face is: “What exactly does 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K mean, and how does it affect what my gold is worth?” This article breaks down gold purity, provides simple steps for identifying and weighing your items, and shows you how to prepare them safely for sale or appraisal.
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Gold Purity Basics
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Gold purity is expressed in karats (K), which measure how much actual gold is present in the metal compared to other alloys. Pure gold is soft and usually needs to be mixed with other metals to make it durable for jewelry or dental uses.
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Karat | Purity % | Description |
|---|---|---|
10K | 41.7% | More durable, less expensive, pale yellow tone. |
14K | 58.3% | Common jewelry standard; good balance of value and durability. |
18K | 75.0% | Richer golden tone, softer, more valuable than 14K. |
22K | 91.7% | Very close to pure gold, often found in coins or high-end pieces. |
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How to Identify Gold Purity
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Step 1: Look for Stamps and Hallmarks
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Check for marks inside rings or on clasps: 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K or parts per thousand such as 417, 585, 750, 916.
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Sterling silver jewelry may show 925 or the word “Sterling.”
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Be cautious: worn stamps can fade, and counterfeit stamps exist.
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Step 2: Do a Simple Magnet Test
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Real gold and sterling silver are not magnetic. If your item sticks strongly to a magnet, it’s likely not solid gold. Note that small clasps or springs may be magnetic even on genuine gold items.
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Step 3: Testing Options
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Acid Test: Kit with small drops of testing solution that react based on purity. Requires careful handling.
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Electronic Tester: Small handheld device giving a quick readout of karat range.
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Professional Evaluation: Mail-in buyers like International Gold & Silver provide clear results from multiple test methods.
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Special Note on Dental Gold
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Dental gold often contains 14K–18K gold, combined with porcelain or other metals. If you’re sending it in, remove visible non-metal parts if possible, but don’t risk injury or damage trying to separate fused materials. Bag pieces securely and label them separately.
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Weighing Your Items
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Use a digital pocket scale that measures in grams (g). Accurate scales are available online or at office supply stores.
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Weigh items after identifying karats and keep each purity separate.
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Write down weights and descriptions in a simple notebook or tracking tool such as GavelBase.
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What Affects Value: Melt Value vs Offer Price
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The melt value is the raw market value of the precious metal if refined. However, the payment you receive will be based on:
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Karat purity (higher karat = higher gold content).
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Total weight of gold-containing material.
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Presence of stones, steel, or other non-gold materials.
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Current market price of gold or silver.
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Expect offers to be slightly less than melt value, since refining, handling, and resale costs are involved.
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Sorting and Preparing Before You Mail
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Group items by karat when possible.
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Remove items that are clearly non-metal or costume jewelry.
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Place small pieces (like broken chains or tiny dental fragments) in small plastic bags or envelopes so they don’t get lost.
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Write brief notes: e.g., “18K ring – 5 grams” or “Dental gold – 2 grams.”
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Keep silver coins, sterling flatware, and gold separate.
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Shipping Precious Metals Safely
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When using a mail-in kit or shipping items yourself, follow these safety guidelines:
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Use padded envelopes or small boxes.
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Seal bags securely with tape to prevent leaks.
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Always use a tracked, insured method such as USPS Registered Mail with insurance or equivalent services via FedEx or UPS.
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Take photos of your items and packages before mailing, and save mailing receipts.
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What to Expect from Testing and Offers
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Legitimate buyers will test your gold by confirming purity through acid, electronic, or XRF analysis. You should be provided with transparent results and a clear calculation of payment. Companies like International Gold & Silver provide appraisal kits that include prepaid shipping labels and promise clear, itemized results.
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Payment Options
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Method | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
PayPal | Same-day | Convenient; small fees may apply. |
Venmo | Same-day | Fast; popular for mobile users. |
Zelle | Usually instant | No fees, but check daily limits. |
Cash App | Instant to account | Fast; may have sending limits. |
ACH Bank Transfer | 1–3 business days | Direct to checking or savings. |
Check | 5–7 days by mail | Paper record, slower process. |
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Record-Keeping and Safety
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Taking photos, writing brief descriptions, and maintaining weight notes help establish accountability. Store your notes digitally or in a notebook. Good record-keeping ensures you can match what you mailed with the results you receive.
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Quick Checklist Before Mailing Gold and Silver
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✔ Check purity stamps (10K/14K/18K/22K, 925 for silver).
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✔ Use the magnet test for a quick check.
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✔ Weigh each piece in grams and record it.
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✔ Sort by karat or category.
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✔ Bag and label small bits.
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✔ Photograph items and packed box.
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✔ Ship using tracked, insured service.
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✔ Save receipts and notes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I tell if gold is real?
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Check stamps, test with a magnet, and if in doubt, request a professional test through a mail-in or local service.
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Is dental gold worth selling?
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Yes. Most dental alloys contain 14K–18K gold, making them valuable even in small amounts. Send securely, separated from porcelain or non-gold parts when possible.
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What’s the difference between melt value and resale value?
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Melt value is the raw material value. Resale offers subtract refining, handling, and processing costs, so payouts will be slightly under melt.
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What shipping is safest?
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USPS Registered Mail with insurance, FedEx Overnight with declared value, or equivalent services offer the best