Shopping for gold jewelry involves more than shopping for a beautifully designed piece. It requires choosing a gold bracelet or ring with the right karat count to ensure you have a durable piece meant to withstand your intended use.
When shopping for gold jewelry, you may have asked yourself, “which karat is right for me?” You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’re comparing 14k and 18k gold to help you determine which one is best for you so you can buy the perfect piece in confidence.
Understanding the Basics: What Does 14k & 18k Mean?
The purity of gold jewelry is measured in karats (not be confused with ‘carats’ that diamonds are measured in). This figure represents the proportion of how much gold and other metals are mixed into the piece out of 24 parts since 24k is the highest level of pure gold there is.
But, 24k gold is not the best to have for everyday jewelry. Because of its high purity count, 24k gold is more prone to bends and scratches since it’s too soft. 14k and 18k gold are better for everyday gold jewelry pieces since they use pure gold and other metals to make the piece more durable for repeated wear.
14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold (14/24) while 18k gold contains 75% pure gold (18/24). Items with these gold purity counts are mixed with metals like copper, zinc, palladium, silver, and more to give more strength to the jewelry, a unique color, and affect the price.
When shopping for real gold jewelry, you may notice that 14k gold pieces have a “585” stamp while 18k gold has a “750” stamp. These are legal markings that have to be imprinted on gold jewelry to indicate a hallmark guarantee that the item is made with either 58.3% or 75% real gold.
What Is 14k?
14k gold is made of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals. The higher percentage of extra alloys gives 14k gold pieces great durability to make these pieces suitable for everyday wear. Plus, since it has a lower gold count, it’s more affordable than 18k gold, making it a popular choice for most jewelry buyers who want beautiful gold jewelry at a reasonable price to wear with everyday styles.
What Is 18k?
18k jewelry is one step below 24k gold. 18k gold is still high in value since it contains 75% gold and only 25% other metals. Though it’s higher in gold count, it still has crucial durability 24k gold pieces don’t have. That means it’s strong to wear more frequently, but it’s not as durable as 14k gold. 18k gold pieces can still be worn for everyday wear as long as they're maintained properly, but you should note that they are still susceptible to dents and scratches since they’re not as strong as 14k gold.
What Is the Difference Between 14k & 18k Gold?
The biggest difference between 14k and 18k gold is their gold count. But, this difference plays a role in the pieces’ color, durability, and cost. 18k gold has the traditional, warm yellow look real gold has while 14k gold is a little less saturated. There are also other colors you can find in 14k gold like white gold and rose gold.
Other than color, 14k’s higher alloy count makes these pieces stronger than 18k pieces. This also means 14k gold jewelry is more affordable since it contains less gold than 18 jewelry.
Which Should You Buy?
There are a few factors to consider that will help lead you to the perfect choice between 14k or 18k gold.
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Budget: Realistically, how much are you willing to spend for your gold jewelry? Do you have the budget to accommodate a piece with a higher price tag, or do you need to keep your item to a lower cost?
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Usage: Usage can help you determine your budget. If you’re looking for a gold item to wear for special occasions and be considered a priceless heirloom piece, then you may want to invest in an 18k gold piece for the higher value it has. If you want a simple item to wear as part of your everyday jewelry, then a 14k piece will suffice.
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Style/color: The look of your jewelry is also just as important so you have an item you cherish. Browse the various styles of jewelry, like how any gemstones on the piece are presented, and different gold colors to settle on what you like and don’t like.
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Skin sensitivity: Because 14k and 18k bring in metals, they can sometimes cause reactions in those who have sensitive skin. 18k is predominantly hypoallergenic because of its high gold content, while 14k might be more sensitive for others since it includes a hefty mix of metals.
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Emotional value: Lastly, consider how valuable the piece is to you. As we mentioned earlier, if you’re shopping for a special piece of jewelry to add to your collection, then 18k will be perfect because of its high value. If value is not of importance to you and you just want a simple staple, then 14k will be a better option.
Ultimately, choosing between 14k and 18k gold comes down to personal preferences and needs.
Shop Our Collection of 14k & 18k Fine Gold Jewelry
Get ready to enhance your jewelry collection with the most beautiful 14k gold jewelry Ferko’s has to offer. Our expert gemologists carefully curate each piece to ensure your everyday or special occasion looks are adorned with exceptional pieces of jewelry sure to elevate your style.
Browse our generous collections of gold jewelry embellished with colorful gemstones or stunning diamonds to bring sophistication to your wardrobe and become heirloom pieces perfect to pass down.