Introduction to 14K Gold Valuation
Gold has been valued as a precious metal for thousands of years, serving as both a form of currency and a material for creating beautiful jewelry and ornaments. In today’s market, understanding the value of gold, particularly 14K gold, can help you make informed decisions when buying, selling, or appraising gold items.
Current Value of 1 Gram of 14K Gold
According to current market rates, 1 gram of 14K gold is worth approximately $62.36 per gram. This translates to about $1,939.46 per ounce. However, it’s important to understand that these prices fluctuate daily based on the global gold market.
Current 14K Gold Market Values
Category | Price Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Per Gram | $62.36 | Most common small measurement |
Per Troy Ounce | $1,939.46 | Standard gold market measurement |
Per Pennyweight | $86.22 | Used by many jewelers |
Note: Price ranges are approximate and can vary based on condition, rarity, and market demand.
To ensure you’re getting the most accurate valuation, it’s always best to check current prices through reliable sources like gold price tracking websites or reputable gold buyers.

Understanding 14K Gold Composition
14K gold consists of 58.3% pure gold (14 parts out of 24) mixed with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc, or nickel. This composition gives 14K gold its distinctive properties:
- Durability: More resistant to scratches and dents than higher karat gold
- Color variations: Available in yellow, white, rose, and other specialized tones
- Affordability: Less expensive than 18K or 24K gold
- Resistance: Less prone to tarnishing compared to lower karat gold
The hallmark “14K” or “585” stamped on gold items indicates this specific purity level. The value of 14K gold is directly tied to its gold content, which is why it’s worth less per gram than 18K gold but more than 10K gold.
Gold Purity Standards
Pure Gold
Almost pure gold with minimal other metals. Soft, malleable, and bright yellow in color. Rarely used for jewelry due to its softness.
High-End Jewelry Gold
Commonly used in high-end jewelry. Good balance of purity and durability. More expensive than 14K gold.
Standard Jewelry Gold
Most popular gold standard for jewelry in the United States. Offers good durability and value.
Economy Jewelry Gold
Minimum karat that can be legally sold as gold in the US. Most durable but least valuable standard gold alloy.
How to Calculate 14K Gold Value
Calculating the value of 14K gold involves several steps:
- Determine the weight of your gold item in grams or another standard measurement
- Multiply by the purity factor (0.583 for 14K gold)
- Multiply by the current price of pure gold per gram
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Let’s walk through an example calculation for a 14K gold necklace weighing 10 grams:
- Item weight: 10 grams
- Purity calculation: 10 grams × 0.583 = 5.83 grams of pure gold
- Value calculation: 5.83 grams × current gold price per gram (approximately $107 for pure gold) = $623.81
This gives you the intrinsic metal value, often called the “melt value” of the gold. Keep in mind that dealers, pawn shops, and refiners typically pay less than the calculated melt value to account for their processing costs and profit margins.
Gold Calculation Tools
Mid-States Recycling Gold Calculator
Interactive calculator that provides instant estimates for gold value based on weight and karat, using live market prices.
GoldCalc.com Scrap Gold Calculator
Comprehensive gold calculator with live price integration and additional features for accurate gold valuation.
reDollar Gold Price Estimator
Specialized tool for calculating 14K gold values with daily price updates and educational resources.
GoldPriceZ.com 14K Gold Rate Tracker
Detailed tracking of 14K gold rates in various units with historical data and trend analysis.
Factors Affecting 14K Gold Value
Market Factors
- Global gold prices: Influenced by economic conditions, inflation, and investor sentiment
- Supply and demand: Mining production and consumer demand affect overall gold prices
- Currency fluctuations: Dollar strength impacts gold prices, as gold is typically priced in USD
- Geopolitical events: Wars, conflicts, and political uncertainty often increase gold’s value
Item-Specific Factors
- Form of the gold: Jewelry typically sells for less than its melt value when selling to dealers
- Craftsmanship: Antique or designer jewelry may command a premium above melt value
- Condition: Damaged items may be valued solely for their gold content
- Presence of gemstones: These may add value but complicate the gold assessment
Buyer Factors
- Type of buyer: Refiners, pawn shops, and jewelry stores offer different rates
- Business model: The buyer’s overhead costs and profit requirements
- Testing methods: Different testing methods may yield slightly different purity assessments
- Volume of transaction: Larger quantities may receive better rates per gram

Gold Value Assessment Checklist
Where to Sell 14K Gold
Various venues for selling 14K gold offer different advantages and typical payout rates:
Gold Buyers and Refiners
- Typical payout: 70-80% of melt value
- Advantages: Quick cash, no fees, accepts any condition
- Disadvantages: Lower returns than other methods
Pawn Shops
- Typical payout: 50-70% of melt value
- Advantages: Immediate payment, convenient locations
- Disadvantages: Generally lower offers than specialized gold buyers
Jewelry Stores
- Typical payout: Varies widely (50-85% of melt value)
- Advantages: Potential for better prices on well-crafted pieces
- Disadvantages: May only be interested in specific items
Online Marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace)
- Typical payout: 80-100+% of melt value
- Advantages: Potentially highest return, reach collectors
- Disadvantages: Fees, shipping concerns, payment delays, scam risks
Typical 14K Gold Buyback Rates by Venue
Category | Price Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Gold Refiners | 75-85% | Specialized in processing raw gold |
Pawn Shops | 50-70% | Convenient but lower returns |
Jewelry Stores | 50-85% | Varies based on store type and item |
Online Marketplaces | 80-100+% | Highest potential but more work |
Note: Price ranges are approximate and can vary based on condition, rarity, and market demand.
Tips for Getting the Best Price for Your 14K Gold
Before Selling
- Know your gold’s weight and purity: Weigh your items on a calibrated scale and verify the karat marking
- Calculate the melt value: Use online calculators to determine the current intrinsic value
- Research current gold prices: Check the spot price on the day you plan to sell
- Clean your gold items: Remove dirt and tarnish to present items in their best condition
- Separate by karat: Don’t mix different karat gold items together when selling
During the Selling Process
- Get multiple offers: Visit at least 3 different buyers to compare offers
- Ask about testing methods: Ensure buyers are using accurate methods to test purity
- Understand the offer: Clarify whether the price is per gram or for the entire item
- Negotiate: Most buyers have room to improve their initial offer
- Be wary of mail-in services: Research reputation thoroughly before sending valuable items
Special Considerations
- Antique or designer jewelry: May be worth more intact than melted
- Items with gemstones: Ask about the buyer’s policy on stones (removal, credit, etc.)
- Damaged gold: Understand that damaged items will typically only fetch melt value
- Large quantities: Consider refiners who may offer better rates for larger amounts
Common Questions About 14K Gold Value
How much is 14K gold worth per gram today?
As of the latest market data, 14K gold is worth approximately $62.36 per gram. This value fluctuates daily based on the global gold market, so it's always best to check current prices through reliable sources like gold price tracking websites before making any transactions.
How much do pawn shops pay for 14K gold per gram?
Pawn shops typically pay between $42 and $49 per gram for 14K gold, which represents approximately 50-70% of the actual melt value. The exact amount varies by location, the shop's policies, and current market conditions. For the best results, get quotes from multiple pawn shops and compare with offers from gold buyers and refiners.
What is the difference between 14K and 24K gold value?
The primary difference is purity: 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold, while 24K gold is 99.9% pure gold. Because of this difference in purity, 24K gold is worth approximately 1.7 times more per gram than 14K gold. However, 14K gold is more durable and practical for everyday jewelry wear.
How can I tell if my gold is really 14K?
Look for a hallmark or stamp that reads "14K" or "585" (representing 58.5% gold content). For verification, you can:
- Use a gold testing kit with acid solutions
- Visit a jeweler who can test it professionally
- Use an electronic gold tester
- Check for discoloration or green/black marks on skin (which may indicate lower karat or fake gold)
Professional testing is recommended for valuable items before selling.
Is it better to sell 14K gold jewelry or keep it as an investment?
This depends on several factors:
- If the jewelry has sentimental value or is from a prestigious designer, it may be worth keeping
- If gold prices are particularly high, it might be a good time to sell
- If you need immediate cash, selling provides liquidity
- As a long-term investment, gold has historically maintained value better than many other assets
Consider consulting with a financial advisor for investment decisions about significant gold assets.
How is the price of 14K gold calculated from the spot price?
To calculate 14K gold value from the spot price:
1. Take the current spot price of gold (per troy ounce)
2. Convert to grams if needed (1 troy oz = 31.1 grams)
3. Multiply by the purity factor of 14K gold (0.583)
For example, if gold is $2,000 per troy ounce:
$2,000 ÷ 31.1 = $64.31 per gram for pure gold
$64.31 × 0.583 = $37.49 per gram for 14K gold
Understanding Gold Market Trends
Gold prices historically respond to several key factors:
- Economic uncertainty: Gold often rises during economic downturns
- Inflation: Higher inflation typically drives gold prices up
- Interest rates: Lower rates tend to increase gold prices
- Currency strength: A weaker dollar usually means higher gold prices
- Seasonal demand: Jewelry demand peaks during certain seasons and holidays
For those looking to sell 14K gold, monitoring these trends can help identify opportune selling windows. Similarly, buyers should watch for market dips to make purchases.
The gold market tends to be cyclical, with periods of significant price increases followed by corrections. Understanding where in this cycle the market currently sits can inform your decision-making process.
External Resources
BullionByPost Current Gold Price
Up-to-date gold price information with alerts, historical data, and market analysis.
Gold Buyers USA Price Calculator
Specialized calculator for 14K gold with various weight measurements and educational resources.
Reddit Gold Community Discussions
Community forum with discussions about gold prices, buying/selling experiences, and market trends.
Gold to Cash Calculator
Interactive calculator that provides instant scrap gold values based on live market prices.
Robinson's Jewelers Gold Guide
Educational resource explaining 14K gold valuation with expert insights from jewelry professionals.
Conclusion
The value of 1 gram of 14K gold is constantly changing based on global market factors, but understanding the calculation process can help you determine a fair price for your gold items. Currently, 1 gram of 14K gold is worth approximately $62.36, but this figure will fluctuate with the market.
When buying or selling 14K gold, remember to:
- Verify the purity and weight of your gold
- Check current market prices
- Consider the form of the gold (jewelry vs. bullion)
- Compare offers from multiple buyers
- Factor in any artistic or collectible value beyond the metal content
Whether you’re looking to sell unwanted jewelry, invest in gold assets, or simply understand the value of your existing collection, knowing the per-gram value of 14K gold provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions in the precious metals market.