Are you trying to decide between 14k and 18k gold jewelry? You're not alone. It's not uncommon to hear people say they want to buy gold jewelry, but they don't know if they should go with 14k or 18k. If this is you, then you're in luck! We've got all the information you need to make the best decision possible.
Gold jewelry is a popular choice for jewelry buyers of all ages and budgets. There's a lot of misinformation about gold quality and price, which makes it difficult for shoppers to make informed decisions. But what exactly is the difference between 14k and 18k gold jewelry?
In this guide, we'll explain what's in both types of gold and how they differ. We'll also help you figure out if 14k or 18k is right for you based on what kind of jewelry you're buying and how long you plan on owning it.
What is 14k gold jewelry?
14k gold jewelry is a mixture of pure gold and other metals, like copper and silver. This gives it the look and feel of solid 14k gold, but at a lower price point. One thing to note: 14k gold will never be as expensive as 18k or 24k gold, because there's less pure material in the mix.
But what does this mean for you? If you're looking for an affordable alternative to 18K or 24K jewelry, then 14K is definitely your best bet! Not only do you get all the benefits of wearing real gold—it won't tarnish quickly as sterling silver can—but it's also more affordable than higher-karat options without sacrificing any quality.
What is 18k gold jewelry?
18k gold jewelry is purer than 14k gold. It has a higher percentage of gold in its composition, which means it's more valuable, more durable, and usually considered the better option when it comes to choosing a material for your jewelry. The name "18 karat" refers to the karat value of pure gold divided by 24: 18/24 = 0.75 (3/4).
So what does this mean in terms of how the jewelry will look and wear? It's a bit more durable than 14 karat, which means it won't tarnish as quickly. It also has a brighter luster and doesn't require special care to maintain its quality.
Key Differences Between 14k vs 18k Gold Jewelry
First, let's start by explaining the "k" in 14k and 18k. The "k" stands for "karat," which is a unit of measure used to describe the purity of gold. One karat is equal to 1/24th of pure gold (24 parts out of 24 total parts).
So, 14K gold is 14 parts out of 24 total parts. This means it's 58.33% pure gold—the rest being other metals like silver and copper, which give the alloy more strength and durability than pure gold would have alone. If you buy 18K gold jewelry, it's 75% pure gold—the highest purity available on the market today.
Quality:
The quality of the gold in your jewelry is important because it can affect how well your piece holds up over time. Higher-quality gold means the piece will be more durable and less likely to chip or break.
The higher the karat value of your jewelry, the better quality it is. This means 18k gold is considered more valuable and durable than 14k gold.
Color:
14k gold has a richer color than 18k gold—it looks more yellow and orange. This is due to its lower percentage of pure gold (14/24 karat).
Price:
While 18k gold is more expensive than 14k, it also lasts longer and can be worn longer without having to be repaired or replaced. 18k gold jewelry is more expensive than 14k gold jewelry because it contains more pure gold. The price difference is often minimal, though.
14k gold costs approximately 50% less than 18k gold per ounce by weight, which makes it much more affordable for those who may not have the budget to purchase 18k jewelry regularly, but still want something that looks nice enough for special occasions or events (e.g., weddings).
Durability:
14k gold is less durable than 18k gold. 14k gold is less resistant to tarnish and discoloration, while 18k gold is more resistant to these effects.
This means 14k gold jewelry will need to be polished more frequently than 18k gold and may begin to look worn after a few years of use. If you plan to wear your jewelry every day, it is probably a good idea to invest in 18k jewelry. If not, then 14k should be fine for most people’s needs.
How To Choose Between 14k vs 18k Gold Jewelry
You should now better understand 14k vs 18k gold jewelry and what factors should influence your decision. While both are beautiful options, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for something that’ll last a lifetime and be passed down through generations, then go with the higher-grade material.
If you’re looking for something that is more affordable and still looks great, then 14k gold may be the better option. If you have any questions about 14k vs 18k gold jewelry, or if you’re unsure which kind is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help!
