This term denotes a gold alloy composed of 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metals. The addition of these other metals, typically including copper, silver, and zinc, enhances the alloy’s durability and alters its color. For example, a piece described using this term contains 58.3% pure gold.
Understanding this compositional standard is crucial for consumers, jewelers, and investors. It provides transparency regarding the gold content, influencing the item’s value, resistance to wear, and aesthetic properties. Historically, alloying gold has been a common practice to make it suitable for jewelry and other applications, as pure gold is too soft for many uses.