Whether you’re buying a new piece of gold jewelry or the ring of your dreams, you’ll be considering which type of gold to get and which is the better choice for you. Join us as we explore the differences between 14k gold vs. 18k gold!
Anyone who has uttered the old adage, “All that glitters is not gold,” didn’t have a sparkly diamond attached to it! As beautiful as gold is, between colors and karats, it can be hard to comb through all the options. Read on to figure out which one is right for you.
K is for Karat and represents the purity of gold used in a piece of jewelry. (Not like carats – which are used when referring to diamonds. For this K, the higher the K, the purer the gold. But be careful; a higher K does NOT necessarily mean a better or nicer piece of jewelry.
In fact, there are multiple factors to consider when deciding what type of gold to use for what piece of jewelry. We will break down the difference between 14K and 18K gold. How does it affect the color, the piece, and if one is better than the other? Why or why not? (Spoiler alert? The answer is no!)
Read on to find out which gold and which “K” is right for you!
Gold is the most popular metal used for all jewelry for a reason. It is strong, flexible, and in its purest form, soft. In order to make the metal usable for jewelry, an alloy (or a mix of metals) is added. Jewelers determine the amount of “K” by the amount of alloy present.
For example, 24K is pure gold and, therefore, too soft for jewelry and everyday wear. 24K gold easily dents and scratches and is simply too fragile for even the most careful jewelry expert. 18K and 14K, which still have a high ratio of gold but enough alloy to be workable, are the most popular choices for jewelers and purchasers.
The higher durability of 14K gold makes it an ideal choice for jewelry worn every day, for those with an active lifestyle, and for jewelry with intricate detail and added or placed stones, such as in gold engagement rings.
18K gold can be preferable for those with allergies or who are very sensitive to alloys since 18K is pure gold. 18K gold is also advantageous because although it is more delicate when it IS scratched, it does so in a way that appears vintage.
So, is 14K gold better than 18K gold? The short answer is no. Each metal offers different advantages. Therefore the better metal depends on you. 14K gold might be a better choice if you are very active, whereas 18K gold can be better for more delicate pieces of fine jewelry.
The differences in appearance are often relatively minimal and a matter of personal choice; whichever karat you go with, you will surely shine!
Consider the following four factors when picking the right karat and color for your new piece of jewelry:
| 14 K Gold | 18K Gold |
|---|---|
| Very Durable | Purer Gold |
| More Affordable | Better For Those With Metal Allergies |
| Softer Yellow Color | Brighter Yellow Tones |
Rose gold is a gold that gets its soft pink color from a mixture of gold and copper. It is also available in 14K and 18K, and similar to its yellow and white counterparts.
It is a wonderful choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, and any other piece of fine jewelry.
14K gold is the most popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. Whether yellow, white or rose, 14K’s mix of purity and durability makes it an ideal choice for these rings since they are geared for everyday wear. The affordability of 14K gold makes it a very popular choice for both engagement and wedding rings.
18K gold is also an excellent choice for engagement and wedding rings for those who prefer hypoallergenic metals, as 18K gold has more gold and less alloy.
Is Best For Fine Jewelry?Both 14K gold and 18K gold work great for fine jewelry. 18K gold is often a popular choice for fine jewelry rings, as the color is considered more “true,” and its delicacy makes it ideal for pieces meant for special occasions.
So whether you want a gold ring you can wear to the gym every day, or you want a ring you can save for anniversaries and holidays, we have the metal and the ring for you!
Whether you prefer a more durable 14K or a more gentle 18K, white gold, yellow gold, or rose, James Allen has the right gold, at the right K, for any event.
As you have probably guessed by now, the perfect gold for you depends on you. Whatever your needs, preferences, and budget, we at JamesAllen.com are here to help you make the best choice!
The choice between 18k and 14k gold depends on your priorities. 18k gold is 75% pure gold and has a richer, more vibrant yellow color, making it more luxurious and hypoallergenic due to its higher gold content. However, it is softer and more prone to scratches and dents. 14k gold, which is 58.3% pure gold, is more durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for everyday use. It is also more affordable. If you prefer a balance of beauty and durability, 14k gold is a better choice, while 18k gold is perfect for special occasions or pieces that are worn less frequently.
The choice between 18k and 14k gold depends on your priorities. 18k gold is 75% pure gold and has a richer, more vibrant yellow color, making it more luxurious and hypoallergenic due to its higher gold content. However, it is softer and more prone to scratches and dents. 14k gold, which is 58.3% pure gold, is more durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for everyday use. It is also more affordable. If you prefer a balance of beauty and durability, 14k gold is a better choice, while 18k gold is perfect for special occasions or pieces that are worn less frequently.
Yes, you can wear 18k gold every day, but be mindful of its softness. 18k gold is more prone to scratching and bending due to its higher gold content. To keep it looking its best, remove it during activities that may cause damage, such as heavy lifting, gardening, or cleaning with abrasive chemicals.
The disadvantages of 18k gold include its higher price and lower durability compared to 14k gold. Its softness makes it more susceptible to scratches and dents, which can affect its appearance over time. Additionally, 18k gold jewelry can be more expensive to repair if it gets damaged.
18k gold is worth buying if you value its rich color, higher gold content, and hypoallergenic properties. It is an excellent investment for special pieces that are not subjected to daily wear and tear. If you prefer luxurious and high-quality jewelry and are willing to take extra care of it, 18k gold is a great choice.
While you can wear 14k gold in the shower, it is not recommended. Repeated exposure to water, soap, and other chemicals can cause the metal alloys in 14k gold to tarnish or dull over time. To keep your 14k gold jewelry looking its best, it is better to remove it before showering.
Yes, you can wear 14k gold every day. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for daily wear. 14k gold is less prone to scratches and dents compared to higher karat gold, and its more affordable price makes it a practical option for everyday jewelry. Just remember to take care of it by removing it during activities that might cause damage.
