Comments on: If A Gold Chain Is Marked 14k Pat Pending Does That Mean It’s Not Real? What Is Pat Pending?

By: jml167

jml167 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:34:45 +0000

Pat Pending means patent pending as in the manufacturer of the necklace has applied for a patent. Unfortunately, I don’t know if that refers to the process used to make the 14k gold or to the design of the necklace. If you are really curious if the necklace is truly 14k gold, take it to a jeweler and have it appraised.

By: Char 1

Char 1 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:40:35 +0000

If the chain was made in the US, it is required to have a “fineness” mark (10k,14k,etc.) and also the additional letters, “GF” for gold filled… “HGE” for heavy gold electroplate, etc. if it is NOT solid gold. More than likely, your chain is “real” solid 14k gold which is 58.3% pure gold. The “pat pend” mark is probably for the unique design of the chain. But to be sure, you need to have the gold “assayed” to determine just how “real” it really is.

By: Dr. O'Pinion

Dr. O'Pinion — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:42:49 +0000

If the chain has a unique design that the manufacturer wants to patent then the Patent Pending notice is to inform people not to copy the design and if they do they can get hit with a lawsuit.
What you really need to be concerned about is whether the chain is solid gold or gold plated.