14k vs 18k Gold Jewelry Value (How to Calculate by Weight)

Quick comparison: 14k vs 18k (purity + what it changes)

For a fast “value by weight” estimate, the key difference is pure-gold content.

If two pieces weigh the same and are otherwise comparable, 18k contains ~28% more pure gold than 14k (0.750 vs 0.585). Real offers can still vary based on buyer payout % and resale premiums.

Step-by-step: estimate melt value by weight

To get a quick “value by weight” estimate, you need: grams, purity, and spot price.

1. Weigh in grams (note: stones add weight but aren’t gold).
2. Use purity factor: 14k = 0.585, 18k = 0.750.
3. Convert spot to per-gram: spot_per_gram = spot_per_troy_oz ÷ 31.1035.
4. Melt estimate: melt ≈ grams × purity × spot_per_gram

This is a baseline. Offers from scrap buyers are usually below melt, and resale can be above melt for branded or gemstone pieces.

What you actually get paid (scrap payouts)

Most buyers pay a percentage of melt. The number depends on competition, lot size, and how they handle stones/non-gold parts.

• Ask how they weigh: do they deduct stones, clasps, or mixed metals?
• Ask the payout %: “What percent of melt do you pay for 14k/18k today?”
• Compare 2–3 offers: the spread can be large.

When resale beats scrap

Melt ignores brand, craftsmanship, and stones. Consider resale routes when:

• The piece is signed/brand-name (Cartier, Tiffany, etc.).
• There are diamonds or colored stones that hold value.
• The design is collectible (period pieces, rare styles, complete sets with box/papers).

In those cases, scrap is the “worst case,” not the target price.

Hallmark checklist: 585 vs 750 (and common traps)

• 585 typically indicates 14k (58.5% gold).
• 750 typically indicates 18k (75% gold).
• Watch for plating/fill marks like GP, HGE, GF.
• If the stamp looks suspicious or the wear doesn’t match, confirm with a jeweler or XRF testing.

Selling options and documentation checklist

To get the best result, document the piece so buyers can price it correctly (and so you can compare offers accurately).

• Photograph the hallmarks: 585/750, maker marks, and brand signatures.
• Weigh the piece: total grams; note stones and attachments.
• Show condition: clasp, prongs, solder repairs, missing stones.
• Get two lanes: a scrap quote and a resale quote (if branded/gem).

Care and storage

• Store separately: gems can scratch gold; gold can scratch softer gems.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: cleaners can dull finishes and damage stones.
• Keep paperwork: receipts and prior appraisals help resale and insurance.

FAQ

Q: Is 18k always worth more than 14k?

By pure gold content at the same weight, yes. But resale depends on brand, stones, and buyer payout %.

Q: Can I calculate value from the hallmark alone?

No—hallmarks tell purity; you still need weight in grams to estimate melt.

Q: What if there are stones?

Stones can materially change value. Scrap buyers may discount; resale buyers may pay a premium.

2026 appraisal checklist update

We refreshed this guide with a tighter valuation workflow so readers can move from rough estimates to defensible numbers faster. Start by defining the appraisal purpose (insurance replacement, fair market value, estate reporting, or pre-sale pricing), because each purpose can change the final range and supporting evidence requirements.

Before requesting opinions, prepare a clean evidence pack: overall photos, detail photos, dimensions, material notes, signatures/marks, condition issues, and provenance records (receipts, family history, prior appraisals). Then compare at least three recent sold comps with similar maker, period, condition, and size. If comps vary widely, note why (restoration, attribution confidence, venue quality, buyer demand).

If you need local in-person support, compare experts in the Art Appraisers Directory and Antique Appraisers Directory. For faster remote turnaround, you can start an online appraisal with Appraisily.