14K vs. 18K Gold: What it is & Which One Should You Choose?

14K vs. 18K Gold: What it is & Which One Should You Choose?

Do you know what is 14K and 18K in Gold Jewellery? Are you confused to decide if 18K is worth it or should you buy 14K instead? Well, you are not the only person who is struggling with this selection. You may hear people saying they want to buy gold jewellery but how many people say they want 18K jewellery or they just like 14K jewellery? Only a few people are aware of these two choices even when our country is the second largest consumer of physical gold.

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So, today we are here to clear the air and let people know what is it and which is better – 18K or 14K?

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Gold is listed at the top among the precious metals and is used to design magnificent jewellery pieces but at the same time, it is very malleable and ductile. Being soft, it becomes tough for pure gold jewellery to retain its shape for a long.  It can bend easily which makes it important to add some other alloys to it. This mixing of alloys to add durability and strength to gold is the reason why we have to categorize this metal into different sections i.e. 18K and 14k

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These two types are also loved due to their elegance and their perdurance, but the characteristics of these two kinds of gold are different to some extent in some aspects, which may affect your decision. The understanding of what makes them unique will assist you in making the right decision of who to choose depending on the situation and your interests.

What is 14K Gold?

14K gold contains 58% pure gold. In addition, it has a 42 % contribution by other alloys like copper, silver, palladium, and nickel. All these together make the 14K gold. This composition makes the 14K gold even stronger it can hardly scratch or dent as compared to the other gold that is made from higher karats. This is probably why it is among the most recommended metals for the kind of jewelleries that are used daily such as engagement rings and Bracelets. Consequently, 14K contains less gold than 18K, so, is cheaper and therefore, useful to anyone who wants an item in gold but at a cheaper price.

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What is 18K Gold?

 

Gold Globular Diamond PendantGold Globular Diamond Pendant 

 

According to the expert's specifications, 18k gold consists of 75 % gold and one-quarter of other metals. Thus, the higher the ratio of gold in comparison with other metals, the higher its richness and the shade of yellow, which people find more aesthetically pleasing. While 18K gold is also strong, it is comparatively less hard as compared to 14k gold and that is why you can damage it easily, scratch it, and bend it, so it is best used for ornaments that are not regularly used or those which are used on festive occasions only.

Major differences between 18K and 14K gold

 

The major difference between 18K and 14K gold is the percentage of pure gold. As mentioned above, 18K has 75% pure gold and 14K has 58% pure gold. So, when it comes to price, 18K is more expensive than 14K. Now, if we talk about ductility and malleability, 14K has more strength and 18K because it contains more alloys than the other.

Also, if you are aiming for that king-like touch and feel and are willing to have a piece that you might have to be more careful when handling it, you get the 18K gold. It has a deeper shade and contains more gold and thus is perfect for occasions of the formal nature and antique jewellery. On the other hand, 14K gives you a daily wear collection but the jewellery made with 14K gold has less yellow tint because of the high level of alloys mixed in it.

How to make the choice – 18K or 14K?

 

The choice of 14k and 18k gold must be made based on the ability to pay as well as the frequency of using the jewellery. Still, for people who are busy with different activities in their everyday lives or for those who would like to have jewellery that can be worn daily too, 14K is preferable since it is more resistant and costs less. It also comes in handy for those who want to minimize the glamour look that they want to maintain. But, if you want exquisite and heavy-touch jewellery that you wear occasionally, 18K is the best choice. 

Also, the personal choice and the possible skin issues should be taken into consideration. Some people may develop skin rash caused by the quality of alloys used 14K gold, therefore, any person, who is sensitive to metals or develops skin rash, should opt for 18K gold because it is purer.


Lastly, both 14K and 18K gold will also have their pros and cons, and this will again boil down to what one can afford, his/her preferred style of jewellery, etc. Once you know the difference between these two types of gold, you will be able to make a correct and well-thought-out decision that would help you to get jewellery that not only looks good on you but also is durable for your active lifestyle.

What does GIVA offer to you?

GIVA is here with its exquisite collection of gold jewellery made from 18K as well as 14K. We have designs that are hard to ignore and quality that is worth every single penny you invest in purchasing jewellery from us. You can visit us and check each piece of gold jewellery that is crafted by the top artisans who are skilled in their profession. So, no matter what your budget is, whether you want 18K or 14K, you will have amazing options making it tough to choose from. Now, as you know the difference between the two, it is easy to make a wise decision. 

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