Is 14K Gold Hypoallergenic? A very popular fashion jewelry metal material is the 14K gold. Loved for its high gold quantity and yet a stronger more durable glossy finish, it is popularly made into engagement rings.
As this is a gold alloy, questions of its allergic potential arise. This summary will help us conclude on whether 14k gold is hypoallergenic.
Gold in its natural state is far too soft and malleable to be a favorable choice for jewelry creation and design.
Though it is easy to manipulate and mold into many forms, it also is very vulnerable to hard hits or long falls. It is susceptible to dents and scratches more than any other metal. This is what makes 24K gold pieces very expensive and extremely rare.
Is 14K Gold Hypoallergenic?
Quick answer: No. 14k Gold in not Hypoallergenic.
Alloying metals results in a richer compound that is both perfect to work with and durable for longer periods. This calls for a percentage of the main metal, in this case, gold, to be mixed or chemically combined with another metal, say, copper, to alter its color.
Other than copper, other metals such as zinc, nickel, and sometimes silver are used in the making of 14k gold jewelry. White gold may have a thin coating of rhodium over them but this fades away and leaves the reactive metals on bare skin.
14k gold is not hypoallergenic but of the three kinds that are possible, the 14k gold yellow gold is considered the most hypoallergenic.
With regular maintenance and care for your jewelry, the rhodium plating should stay on. Alternatively, you will have to schedule regular coating and buffing sessions to keep your jewelry in the best shape and keep your skin protected from any reactive metals.
If you guys want to read more, please read this post. Which metal is hypoallergenic?
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What is 14K Gold Made Of?
There are many types of 14k gold. They could either be white, yellow, or rose gold 14k jewelry. What is important to note is that all variations in color for 14k gold contain 58% of fine gold. Achieving the desired color lies in the portions of metal you will mix.
If more copper is in the alloyed metals, the gold will turn the beautiful pink loved by many. Balanced out by either nickel or more recently silver. The more the copper in the alloy, the stronger the shade of rose gold.
White gold is alloyed with nickel, zinc, silver, palladium, and coated with a sheet of rhodium. If the nickel could be switched out with the silver in production, this would be the most hypoallergenic gold choice.
Yellow gold is considered the most hypoallergenic even though it contains high amounts of copper that infuse it with the glorious yellow gold color that is so luxurious to look at.
Can You Be Allergic to 14K Gold?
Yes, you can be. Pure 24K gold is pure and hypoallergenic.
However, 14k gold is an alloy and it contains other metal combinations that sensitive skin types find irritating and unbearable.
Nickel, copper, and zinc are most of the commonly used metals that are blended with gold to enrich its build and alter its color for variations in design and production.
Many people are allergic to metals and this could be caused by anything from their DNA to the climatic conditions of their regions.
14k gold poses the threat of causing your skin to turn green or to present a burning itch on the exposed skin.
Is 14K Gold Good for Sensitive Ears?
Due to the understanding that this is a metal alloy that combines with some allergic metals, using 14k gold for your earrings is not a good idea. Ear piercings are very tender and vulnerable to infections.
Due to the method of outing earring through the piercing, this brings the metals and its effects even closer to the area and the friction inflames this reaction.
If you have a piece that you love, you may try to have the coating plated with rhodium or just do it yourself at home with a thin film of clear nail polish.
Pros and Cons of 14K Gold Jewelry
Pros
- Yellow gold-rich color
- More durable than 18k gold
- More affordable with the same luxurious shine to 18k gold
- Ideal for wedding bands and engagement rings
- Easily available
- Retains more gold characteristics
Cons
- Weaker than 10k gold
- Not hypoallergenic
- Easily scratches, dents and corrodes
- Needs regular polishing and cleaning
Conclusion
14k gold is extremely popular in the jewelry world and especially among groups who are about to seal their nuptials.
The 14k yellow gold is most especially loved because of the gold-like properties that it so well carries.
Rose gold is loved for its versatility of wear across all skin types and hues and white gold is a great alternative to palladium or platinum pieces.
They all, however, contain traces of potentially allergic metals that could present a skin problem to your customer, family, or friend.
For more jewelry metal posts, read here. If you guys want to read more awesome posts, read here.
Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.