Generally, 14K white gold is not magnetic. This metal is an alloy, a mixture of different metals, and its magnetic properties depend significantly on its composition.
14K White Gold and Its Magnetic Properties
14K white gold consists of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals. Pure gold, with the chemical symbol Au, is classified as a diamagnetic material. It is not attracted to magnets; instead, it weakly repels magnetic fields, an effect usually only noticeable under specialized laboratory conditions. The atomic structure of gold, where its electrons pair up, explains this non-magnetic behavior.
The remaining percentage in 14K white gold is made up of various alloying metals, often including palladium, silver, nickel, and zinc. Silver and zinc are also diamagnetic, similar to pure gold. Palladium is generally considered diamagnetic or, in some contexts, very weakly paramagnetic, meaning it has a slight, temporary attraction to magnetic fields that disappears when the field is removed.
Magnetism, particularly the strong attraction commonly observed, is known as ferromagnetism. This phenomenon occurs in materials like iron, cobalt, and nickel, which possess unpaired electrons that align to create a strong, persistent magnetic field. Despite the presence of these alloying metals, the high proportion of non-magnetic pure gold and the non-magnetic nature of other alloys typically results in 14K white gold being non-magnetic in everyday interactions.
When White Gold Attracts a Magnet
If a 14K white gold item does attract a magnet, it usually indicates a higher-than-average content of a ferromagnetic metal within its alloy. Nickel is the most common ferromagnetic metal used in white gold alloys. While some 14K white gold alloys might contain up to 10% or even 25% nickel, the exact percentage can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer.
A noticeable magnetic attraction could suggest that the item is not genuine 14K white gold or that it contains a higher proportion of magnetic materials than is typical for standard alloys. Some manufacturers might use more nickel to enhance hardness or whiteness, which could lead to a slight magnetic response. However, a strong magnetic pull might also indicate the presence of a different, more magnetic metal entirely, or a lower-purity alloy. While a magnet test can offer an initial indication, it is not a definitive method for confirming the authenticity or precise composition of gold jewelry. For a conclusive assessment, professional testing by a jeweler is recommended.