How do you tell the difference between 14k and 18kt gold?

Answer by  fishy (1085)

18Kt gold has a much brassier appearance and is softer than 14KT gold. You can usually look on either the clasp for a stamp indicating the type.

Answer by  Allstar (2071)

Use Archemedes' method: measure the gold object's mass on a scale, and then it's displacement in water. That will give you it's density. Compare that density to the known density of 14 or 18 karat gold.

Answer by  Darkephoenix (1789)

Most gold jewelry will be marked somewhere on the piece. For rings it's generally inside the band somewhere and for bracelets or necklaces it's usually somewhere on the clasp. Keep in mind that the print is usually tiny and hard to read. If it isn't marked you'll probably need to take it to a jeweler.