What is 14k Gold?
14K gold jewellery contains 58.3% pure gold, while the rest of the metal varies based on the colour of the gold. It is composed of 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metal, with the other metal varying based on the gold’s colour.
Gold is quite a soft, malleable metal, which is easily scratched, bent, and warped. This is particularly true when it comes to 14k gold. As a result, a purer gold engagement ring will not scratch as easily on door frames, desks, tables, the ground, etc. Gold 14k is composed of metals such as nickkle, silver, copper, and rhodium along with gold. Gold that is easy to maintain over time is called 14k gold.
What is 18k Gold?
18 karat gold rating is made up of 75% gold and 25% alloy. There are 24 parts in gold that make it up, but 18 of those parts are pure gold. This is the reason why it is called 18 karat gold. Gold in the 18K range is the purest form and is used for rings, watches, and other jewellery.
Gold is a material that is particularly attractive for engagement rings and other jewellery because of its rich, yellow appearance. In addition to white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and silver, these metals may also contain palladium, nickel, silver, zinc, and copper.
Difference Between 14k Gold and 18k Gold
- There is a significant difference between the two with regards to the percent of gold. In 18K gold, 75% of the metal is gold, and the remainder is alloyed metals. In 14K gold, 58% of the metal is gold. Silver, copper, nickel, and palladium are alloyed metals.
- There is also a difference in colour between 14K and 18K gold. Because of the alloys included, jewellery made from 14K gold has a lighter tone as compared to 18K gold.
- In comparison to 18k gold, 14k gold is quite strong. It is more durable and scratches are less damaging, however it can still be damaged if you aren’t careful.
- Although it is less intense than 18k gold since the alloying materials are different, 14k gold maintains a shine similar to that of traditional gold-but it will remain yellowish.
- Even though 14k gold doesn’t shine as brightly as 18k gold, its gold appearance can still make any jewellery stunning.
Comparison Between 14k and 18k Gold
| Parameters of Comparison | 14k | 18k |
| Meaning | The meaning of 14k is 14,000 in numbers (fourteen thousand). | The meaning of 14k is 18,000 in numbers (eighteen thousand). |
| Percentage Of gold | 14k gold contains 58.3 percent gold and 41.7 percent alloying material, not as pure as 18k gold. | Gold in 18k purity is 75 percent gold by weight and 25 percent alloyed gold. |
| Value | In 14k gold, the purity of the gold determines the value. 14k = 2.8 grams | In 18k gold, the purity of the gold also determines the value. 18k = 3.6 grams |
| Vividness of colour | A piece of jewellery made with 14k gold won’t have as much shininess as one made with 18k gold, but it will still have a rich, gold appearance. | 18k gold’s bright yellow shine makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands, thanks to its visual appeal. |
| Solid Durability | The surface of 14k gold is relatively strong when compared to 18k gold. It is much more resistant to scratches, but it can still be damaged if it is not treated gently. | 18k gold can scratch easily and may wrap under certain circumstances even when alloyed with some materials. |
| Expensiveness | As compared to 18k, Gold in 14k is a good option or choice when it comes to price. It’s inexpensive. | 18k gold is one of the most expensive forms of gold since its purity is so high. If you’re on a budget, this isn’t an option. It is possible for an 18k piece of jewellery to cost twice as much as a 14k one. |
| Uses | Among the fine jewellery pieces made from 14k gold are wedding rings, earrings, pendants, and eternity bands. | A lot of jewellery that is worn regularly is made from 18k gold. It is widely used to make rings, watches, and some other jewellery. |