14KGP Meaning
14 KGP gold meaning is “14 karat gold plated”. 14KGP or simply 14 GP is a type of gold jewelry where 14k gold alloy is plated over a cheap base metal like sterling silver or copper. 14k means that 14 parts out of 24 of this alloy are made of gold while remaining 10 are of any other metal. It is a popular gold alloy known for its durability and shiny appearance.
In this article we’ll answer questions like what does gold plated mean, what does 14k gp mean, is 14kgp worth anything and how to save 14 KGP from wearing off.
What Is Gold Plating?
Gold plating is actually a very thin layer of gold over another metal to give the jewelry item an overall look of gold. This can be a great way of getting gold like looks for much lower prices. As a comparison, if a solid gold costs $150, a gold plated ring can cost around $50.
But due to its lower price tag, gold plated jewelry can have many cons as well. Some of the cons are:
- Wears off quickly
- Needed to be plated again and again. Usually after 4 to 6 months of regular usage.
- Re plating can be expensive
- Can be used as a way by jewelers to trick customers
- Very low resale value
Meaning of 18 KGP
Just like 14 kgp, 18kgp means gold plating in 18 karat. 18 karat is purer form of gold than 14 karat gold plating.
Is Gold Plated Real Gold
Yes, gold plated is real gold with a very thin layer of gold. This gold plating is almost worthless and wears off after some time.
Are 14 KGP and 750 Gold Plated Same?
Yes, 14 kgp and 750 gold plated are same. Both of these have same composition.
How Many Types of 14KGP are there?
14KGP is found in many compositions like white gold, yellow gold and rose gold etc. Mostly, yellow gold is used in fashion jewelry. White gold is also used over sterling silver and similarly rose gold can be used over metals like copper. So, it is the choice of every buyer that which type of gold plating they like on their jewelry.
Why 14KGP is Used in Gold Plating?
Gold is a soft metal. Other metals like copper and silver are added into it to increase its strength and durability. However, type and quantity of these metals can really change the properties of the metal. For example, 18k gold plated can be more pure than 14k, but it will be softer and less durable than 14KGP. 14KGP makes the optimum balance of durability and shiny appearance that no other gold alloy can provide. That’s why 14KGP is used in gold plating.
How long does 14KGP last?
14KGP does not last long. If you use your jewelry regularly, it will last a maximum of 3 to 4 months. On occasional use, it can last longer. There are a number of factors like sweat, water damage and tarnishing which define how fast 14KGP will wear off.
How to Save 14KGP from Wearing Off
14KGP can wear off quickly. It is important to save your jewelry from wearing off or it will badly impact its overall appearance. Here are some precautions you can take to save 14KGP from wearing off.
- Avoid water contact when wearing your jewelry. This can be in while doing tasks like showering, laundering, swimming etc.
- Sweat can damage gold plating. Avoid wearing gold plated jewelry on a hot day.
- Store gold plated jewelry in a cool and dry place.
- Use anti-tarnish bags in jewelry storage box.
- Save your jewelry from falling. Any minor scratches can make it wear off.
- Avoid direct use of cosmetic items like perfume and lotions.
All of these precautions will help you in having longer life of gold plated jewelry.
Is 24 Karat Gold Plated Worth Anything
Not much. Whether it is 18 karat or the highest purity gold i.e. 24k, gold plating is not worth much. Because the quantity of gold used is so small, that it can not fetch any price. All you can get on reselling is the price of the base metal. If it is silver, you might around $3 per gram. Otherwise in case of copper or nickel, it will be way less than this.
Apart from this, there are other types of gold as well which you might not know i.e. 12K GF or 14K GF.
12K GF Meaning
Now let’s answer the question “what does 12k GF mean?”
12KGF meaning is “12 karat gold filled”. Gold filled is another type of gold jewelry which can be used as an alternative of solid gold. Yes, it is not all gold But still far better than gold plated.
What is Gold Filled?
In gold filled jewelry, a fat layer of gold is mechanically bonded over a cheap base metal like silver or copper. This can also be steel as it is much cheaper in comparison to silver or copper. In case of gold plating, this layer is microscopic thin like less than 1 millimeter. Where in gold filled, it is about 5 millimeters.
As per law, the total weight of gold used in making a gold filled jewelry item, must be at least 5 percent of the total weight of the jewelry item. For example, if you buy a 20 gram gold filled bracelet from a jeweler, then it must have at least 1 gram of gold in it.
So, you can expect that gold used in gold filled jewelry will stay there and can withstand damages. This makes it a excellent choice for someone who wants to get gold alike jewelry at a lower price rate. It must be noted that resale value of gold filled jewelry is better than gold plated but not as equal as solid gold.
Gold Filled vs Gold Plated
The main difference between gold filled and gold plated is the thickness of outer gold layer. Choice of base metal in both types depends on the jeweler and can be the same. A jeweler can use a better option like silver or much cheaper one like stainless steel to minimize cost. Here is a look at the comparison of both.
Price
Gold plated one is cheaper than gold filled as it has a negligible amount of gold on it.
Resistance to Damages
Gold plated cannot withstand damages and will demand high level of care. Gold plating does not stay for long on any jewelry regardless of extreme care. Wearing and removing can also force gold plating to wear off. And on above of it, if you get any external damages, it will wear off very quickly.
Gold filled can somewhat withstand damages compared to gold plating.
Resale Value
Both of these jewelry types have low resale value. Gold plated jewelry has a much lower than one made with gold filled.
Maintenance Cost
Re plating can be a regular maintenance cost for gold plated jewelry buyers. Plus you have to visit jeweler as well. So this can be a periodic hassle which they have to go with.
Gold filled jewelry does not require re plating or re filling that quickly. As gold can stay on base metal for longer period of time, you can expect very low to none maintenance cost except for cleaning chemicals.
What Should You Buy?
If you are a buyer who wants to wear jewelry for daily usage and can take care of it properly, then gold plating can be a good choice where you will save some money. But if you cant take care of your jewelry from external damages like scratches or falling off, then gold filled is a better option. It will cost more than a gold plated jewelry at beginning, but will save you cost of re plating.
Common FAQ’s about 14KGP
Here are some common FAQ’s about 14KGP.
1. What does 14k GP mean on jewelry?
14 KGP mean on jewelry is 14k gold plated.
2. Gold Filled or Gold Plated – What Should You Choose?
You should choose gold filled jewelry. Gold filled has more gold quantity coated over a base metal like sterling silver. It protects the base metal and never allows it to tarnish.
3. Does 14KGP Tarnish?
No, it does not tarnish.
4. What is 14kgp Value?
14 Kgp value is less than 14k solid gold and 12 gf.
Conclusion
As a buyer you must be well aware that what is the meaning of 14K PG and 12K GF, so you can buy what you are full aware of. Both of these types of gold jewelry have their own properties and set of pros and cons. It is up to a buyer to decide what their preferences are and what they want to do it with their jewelry. In this way, they can buy something they are knowing better and making an informed decision.