Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, an everyday necklace, a pair of everyday earrings, or a tennis bracelet - you will have picked up on the fact that there are different types of gold; most gold jewellery pieces are available in either 14k or 18k gold.
14k and 18k are two gold variants that are generally considered the most popular as these alloys are both strong, durable, and resistant to fading, rusting, or tarnishing over time. 14-18k gold is generally stronger than gold with a higher purity, like 22k and 24k, which are soft and malleable. The strength of 14k and 18k comes from other metals included in the alloy, such as nickel, silver, copper, zinc, and palladium.
So, what is the difference between 14k and 18k gold? And which is considered to be the ‘better’ gold alloy?
18k gold is a higher-quality gold and is purer than 14k gold, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the ‘better’ purchase. While 18k gold is brighter in appearance and is more technically more valuable, 14k gold has attributes that 18k gold does not, including durability. Some will also lean towards 14k as the characteristics are very similar to 18k gold, but at a more cost-efficient rate.
14k gold is 58.3% pure gold. The remaining 41.7% is composed of stronger and more durable metals, such as silver and copper. With an alloy composition that includes stronger metals than pure gold, 14k gold is resistant to tarnishing, dents, and scratches, making it ideal for everyday wear.
18k gold is 75% pure gold. The other 25% is typically made of silver, copper, nickel or palladium. With its high purity of gold, 18k gold is more valuable and has a brighter appearance. 18k gold is still designed to be tarnish-free, but may wear slightly over time as result of the higher gold content.
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The key difference between 14k and 18k gold is the purity level of gold, which will affect appearance, durability, and ultimately, the price of jewellery.
The most noticeable appearance difference between 14k and 18k gold is colour intensity and how each type of alloy will wear/age over time.
14k gold is typically a lighter tone of yellow, whereas 18k gold has a more vibrant and deeper yellow hue. Both metal options will provide the classic gold appearance we all know and admire. If you prefer a more subtle jewellery option, 14k gold is ideal, while 18k gold will suit you if you love that deep yellow, rich, gold shine.
14k rose gold typically appears more pink due to its higher copper content in the alloy. As 18k gold has a lower percentage of other metals and is primarily gold, 18k rose gold offers a more subtle blush tone.
Each gold (both 14k and 18k) offers a similar bright, silver appearance of white gold. The primary difference between 14k and 18k white gold lies in their aging. Over time, 14k white gold will remain lighter due to the other white metals in the alloy, whereas 18k white gold may take on a warmer undertone.
Strength and durability are essential qualities to consider when choosing any kind of jewellery. As mentioned, 14k gold is exceptionally durable due to the high content of other stronger metals. These metals protect the gold against tarnish and scratches, which is why 14k is typically used for everyday jewellery. Particularly if you have an active lifestyle, 14k gold is less likely to show signs of wear and tear.
18k gold can be less durable for everyday use. The softness of 18k gold means it can be more prone to scratches and tarnishing. However, while 14k is more durable due to its higher content of other metals, these metals may still corrode or fade over time. The high percentage of pure gold in 18k gold will make it last longer with less maintenance, regardless of whether it has been scratched.
As with most things, the purer gold is, the higher the price tag. 14k gold is typically less expensive than 18k gold as it consists of less pure material. The price difference between 14k and 18k gold is generally between 20-30%, depending on the design complexity, weight, and market.
When it comes to choosing the best gold jewellery, there is no ‘right’ metal to invest in. To determine whether you should choose 14k or 18k gold, consider your lifestyle, style preference, and budget.
The main advantages of 14k gold are its durability and affordability. If you lead an active lifestyle and plan on wearing your jewellery daily, 14k gold jewellery will allow you to be as hands-on as you wish without worrying about tarnishing your jewellery. It also comes with a lower price tag for high-quality pieces. With 90% of engagement and wedding rings made from 14k gold, this type of gold is by far the most popular.
18k gold is ideal for those who value luxury and vibrancy. This type of gold offers richness in colour and longevity, and while 18k gold may scratch more easily than 14k gold, it still retains strength and practicality for daily wear.
While researching the different gold types is important, at the end of the day you won’t truly know if 14k or 18k gold is right for you without seeing and touching them in-person. Visit one of our GS Diamonds showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane where our expert jewellers will show you the difference between our premium gold metals so you can determine which is best for your next jewellery piece.
