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Daily Wire Tip Nov. 17: Difference Between 14kt Gold and Gold-Filled Wire

By on November 17, 2009
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
November 17, 2009

Question:

I have both 14kt gold and gold-filled wire in my inventory.  Is there an easy way to tell the difference?

Answer:

Without using a gold tester, which is a pricey piece of equipment, think about the 14kt wire you bought. If it is not dead soft it will be harder than your 14kt gold-filled wire, more temper and spring. If you remember purchasing dead soft 14kt wire then it will be just a bit softer than your half-hard 14kt gold-filled, and harder than 14kt gold-filled dead soft. Another way would be for you to take it to a jewelry store that employs or is owned by a goldsmith. Most of them will be happy to use their testing device to help you out.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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5 Comments

  1. avatar

    Kat

    November 17, 2009 at 5:49 pm

    Pure gold has a much higher density then gold-filled, which is typically brass with a gold plating. Therefore, you should be able to do a simple density test to determine the gold-filled. Measure out an equal volume of wire (if they are the same gauge, just use equal lengths – but be precise), then weigh them on an accurate scale. The lighter one is the gold-filled.

  2. avatar

    gary

    November 17, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    With reference to 14k wire and gold-filled wire. After purchasing the wire coat the wire with a sharpie.(different colors for 14k and gold-fill) The coating will come off a cloth and alcohol when ready to make your piece.

  3. avatar

    Chris

    November 17, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    Does anyone know how to tell the difference between gold filled and brass?
    This is more of a problem for me.

  4. avatar

    caralyn

    November 18, 2009 at 12:10 am

    won’t gold always be heavier than the same size gold fill?

  5. avatar

    Psycho Seed Beader

    November 21, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    I generally leave my wire in a Ziploc Bag and label it as I purchase it. This not only keeps it from tarnishing as much, but also gives me all the info I need at a glance. I store my Zip Lock bags in a clear box and arrange them according to size. I also keep a smaller bag inside to keep scraps of the same size in so I know what those are as well when I need some.