What Does 14-20 Gold Filled Mean

by Judy Ellis

I have a question about 14/20 gold filled wire. I know the 14 is 14 karat, but what does the 20 stand for? - Deborah in Wenden, Arizona

It's a great question-and one that comes up often among both new and experienced jewelry makers. If you've ever wondered what that 14/20 stamp really means, you're not alone.

In this article, we'll break down exactly what 14/20 gold-filled means, how it compares to other materials like gold-plated and solid gold, and why it's such a popular choice in the world of wire jewelry. Whether you're buying supplies or making your own jewelry, understanding these numbers will help you choose materials that offer both beauty and lasting value.

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What Does 14/20 Gold-Filled Mean?

If you've ever shopped for jewelry-making wire or finished jewelry and noticed a stamp that reads 14/20, you might be wondering: what does 14/20 mean on jewelry?

It's a great question-and understanding the meaning behind this fraction can help you make informed decisions when choosing materials for your jewelry designs.

14/20 Gold Meaning: The Breakdown

The 14/20 gold-filled meaning refers to a specific standard used in the jewelry industry to indicate both the karat of gold used and the amount of gold layered over a base metal, usually brass.

"14" refers to 14 karat gold, which is made up of 58.3% pure gold.

"20" means that 1/20th (or 5%) of the item's total weight is made of that 14K gold.

So, when a piece is labeled 14/20 gold-filled, it means the outer layer of the item contains a substantial coating of 14 karat gold, equal to 5% of the item's total weight.

This gold is mechanically bonded to a core-typically high-quality jeweler's brass-using heat and pressure. The result? A durable, long-lasting alternative to solid gold at a fraction of the price.

Judy Ellis's What Does 14-20 Gold Filled Mean - <h3>14/20 Gold Meaning: The Breakdown</h3>, General Education, , gold filled 14/20 wire on work bench

What Is 14/20 Gold-Filled Jewelry?

14/20 gold-filled jewelry offers the look and feel of solid gold without the hefty price tag. It's a popular option among jewelers and customers alike because it:

Wears beautifully over time (unlike gold-plated items which may flake or tarnish)

Has a rich, warm hue that closely matches solid 14k gold

Is safe for most people with metal sensitivities.

In fact, many customers can't tell the difference between 14k gold and 14/20 gold-filled appearance alone can make it hard to distinguish some pieces.

That's one of the main reasons this material is so commonly used in handcrafted wire jewelry it offers a balance of quality and affordability that's hard to beat.

Judy Ellis's What Does 14-20 Gold Filled Mean - <h3>What Is 14/20 Gold-Filled Jewelry?</h3>, General Education, , Bead and Wire Bracelet with Attached Clasp

Why 14/20 Instead of 12/20?

You might also see other markings like 12/20-but what's the difference?

12/20 gold-filled means the item has 5% 12 karat gold.

12 karat gold contains only 50% pure gold, so its color is slightly more brassy or yellow.

Many jewelry makers (ourselves included!) prefer 14/20 gold-filled wire and components because of the richer gold color and its closer match to solid 14k jewelry. It simply looks more luxurious and pairs well with existing 14k pieces.

Judy Ellis's What Does 14-20 Gold Filled Mean - <h3>Why 14/20 Instead of 12/20?</h3>, General Education, , Beaded Helm Chain Maille Earrings

A Note on Sterling Silver-Filled Wire

While gold-filled materials use karat and weight fractions, silver-filled wire is labeled differently. For example:

1/10 sterling silver-filled means the wire contains 10% .925 sterling silver by weight, layered over a brass core.

Some companies offer only 1/20 (5%) sterling silver-filled, but we're proud to offer 1/10 so you get more precious metal in every inch of wire.

Judy Ellis's What Does 14-20 Gold Filled Mean - <h3>A Note on Sterling Silver-Filled Wire</h3>, General Education, , Wire Caged Beads

In Summary: What Is 14/20 Gold-Filled?

To sum it up, here's what you need to know:

14/20 gold-filled means 1/20th (5%) of the item's total weight is 14k gold.

It's more durable and longer-lasting than gold-plated jewelry.

It provides a rich, high-quality appearance that closely resembles solid gold.

It's a favorite among jewelry makers for its value, beauty, and wearability.

So the next time you're choosing materials for your next wire jewelry piece, or shopping for finished designs, you'll know exactly what 14/20 gold-filled means-and why it's such a smart, beautiful choice.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Additional Resources

FTC Link - when a product is marked with the fraction 14/20, it means that the item must contain 1/20 of 14 karat gold with relation to the brass fill/core (5%).

Carat (Purity) - The purity of gold karat is determined by the amount of pure gold in a product, as described in detail in the article.

Sterling Silver Filled Wire - The purity of gold karat is determined by the amount of pure gold in a product, as described in detail in the article.