14k vs 18k gold, which one is better?
When buying fine jewelry, specially your diamond engagement ring you will come up with the questions, Should I get a 14k or 18k gold? Which metal is better or more durable? why is 18k gold jewelry more expensive? Is there any difference in look?
If you have come across that dilemma this brief blog will help you answer some of your questions. Gold after being refined in its pure form is 24k equivalent to 99.9% pure gold.
The problem with pure gold is that in its 99% purity it tends to be very soft and not ideal for jewelry because it would bend easily. In order to make gold harder and more resistant Jewelry designers and Jewelry casting companies such as PAFCO or ASD in NYC have to mix it or (alloy it) with other metals.
In the case of white gold. For example:
We know that 24k gold is 99.9% pure gold, what alloys are mixed with 18k gold and 14k gold?
18k gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals such as zinc, silver, nickel or copper.
14k gold is 58% gold and 42% other metals such as zinc, silver, nickel or copper.
Now that we know the percentages of 14k and 18k gold let’s talk about their durability and appearance. Both types of gold are good for jewelry and very resistant, but because it has a larger percentage of other metals 14k gold will be stronger to resist Knicks, dents and bending compared with 18k. In terms of appearance.
How to differentiate 14k from 18k gold?
In the case of 18k Rose or yellow gold the hue or tonality of the color is a little yellower than 14k due to the higher amount of pure gold in the mix. 14k gold tends to be lighter in hue color.
White gold will look the same in 18k and 14k gold. Why? after casting and polishing a plating process called Rhodium is applied to whitening the metal to make it completely white.
The process of Rhodium lasts an average of a year or two depending the wear and tear before it starts wearing out. A slight yellow tone will start being noticed specially in the bottom area of the ring. In 14k gold it will take a little longer since it has more white metals in the mix.
Which gold is more expensive 14k or 18k?
Due to the higher percentage of gold, 18k will be more expensive than 14k. When looking for a diamond engagement ring, you can compare the prices in 18k and 14k. The difference will be an average of $100 to $200 depending the store and more important on the price of gold in the market. You can find daily gold prices at KITCO
At my store OSCARGAMA JEWELRY I produce all my rings in 14k but you can buy an upgrade to 18k for $75.
Is 10k better than 14k or 18k gold?
10k gold is used in lower quality jewelry specially the one imported from overseas to accommodate lower prices in the retail markets.
10K gold contains 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals such as other metals such as zinc, silver, nickel or copper. Due to the lower amounts of gold 10k gold jewelry is cheaper than the other two making it more affordable for some people.
It’s Platinum the same as gold?
No, Platinum is a complete different metal and has no gold mixed on it. The metal is white and has only 5% of alloys mixed to make it stronger. Due to its purity Platinum engagement rings are more expensive and used on fine jewelry.
Regardless on what metal you pick, an 18k, 14k or 10k will make a gorgeous engagement ring. You can mix them with Natural diamonds, Lab grown diamonds or color gem stones. Find a custom jewelry designer to make the jewelry of your dreams. She will be happy that it came from you!
