From all the other precious metals in the world, there is one that continues to be universally adored – gold and platinum. Not only does gold and platinum give a timeless elegance, but also offers good value and extreme durability. When searching for the right jewelry piece for you, it’s important to factor in the material as well as its worth and lifespan. Gold comes in yellow, rose, and white gold! The difference comes down to what metal alloys are accompanied with the gold to change the color. Find out which precious metal would suit your wedding bands and engagement rings.
Differences Between 10K, 14K, and 18K Gold
Yellow gold comes in different karat sizes, including 10K, 14K, and 18K, which all have their own distinct traits. There are several pros and cons to these different variations and being educated on the subject can help you save money in the long run and find the jewelry that’s perfect for you.
What’s the Difference in Gold Purity?
Pure gold is 24 karats. It consists of 99.5% gold, which is extremely soft and not typically used for engagement rings and wedding bands. If you find the inscription “750” on an 18K gold ring, it means that it consists of 75% gold. The remaining 25% are different metal alloys that provide more hardness to the gold. Even though you can find gold jewelry with any amount of karat, the most suitable for wedding bands and engagement rings are 14K, and 18K gold. With the extreme ends of 24K gold being too soft and 10K being more “other alloys” than gold.
Why Doesn’t Pure Gold Rings Exist?
Pure gold rings do exist but are rarely worn. In most cases, you won't be able to find 24-karat gold rings. Even though it is made of 99.5% gold, it is extremely malleable and isn’t suitable for engagement rings. As a result, it isn’t practical for daily wear.
For that reason, several metal alloys are added to gold, making it harder and more durable. Yellow gold will usually be mixed with metals, including silver, palladium, platinum, and nickel to make it sturdier. All Lovelri rings only mix alloys that are hypoallergenic. It’s always best to ask what alloys are mixed in, as people can use other metals that may cause irritation.
While 24K gold is very rare in rings, it can be found more commonly in earrings and necklaces, which experience less wear and tear. 24K gold has a strong intense yellow color tone. On the other hand, 10K, 14K, and 18K gold are more difficult to differentiate but the tone of gold gets more yellow as you increase in purity.
10K Yellow Gold – More Metal Alloys than actual Gold
10K gold contains more alloy than gold. In fact, it has 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy. 10K is also considered cheaper than 14K gold and referred to as “discount gold.”
Common misconceptions that some companies leverage is they label their jewelry solid gold, but they may only use 10K gold, which has more “other alloy” in it than there is gold. Meanwhile other competitors apply a thin layer of gold called “veneer” while filling the inside with less expensive metals. This layer can chip over time revealing the grey/brown metal underneath. We would advise against purchasing the above metals and instead go with 14K or 18K solid gold. With Lovelri prices it is not significantly more expensive and the quality allows for longevity and every day wear.
14K Yellow Gold – The sweet spot for durability and price!
Of all the other karat sizes, 14K gold is most people’s go-to-choice. It’s so popular that approximately 90% of all wedding rings and engagement rings sold in the United States consist of 14K gold. The reason for its likeability is that it contains 58.5% gold, making it durable enough to not be easily tarnished.
When it comes to durability, 14K is more durable and will take longer to show visible marks than 18K, making it the best choice for anyone who is looking for the perfect balance in durability, price, and beauty.
At Lovelri, we offer our clients platinum and solid gold in yellow, rose, white color. The difference between platinum and solid gold of 14K, 18K, 24K depends on hardness level and its use in your everyday life. 14K gold (59% gold) is great for people who use their hands more often as it is more durable, Platinum on the other hand is more scratch resistant than gold and has a nice hefty weight to it. Platinum is 1.7x denser than gold. Platinum is the perfect choice for people considering a “silver” colored jewelry and are looking for durability and a luxurious hefty feel.
18K Yellow Gold – Fine Jewelry and Luxury
18K gold consists of 75% gold. 18K solid gold is typically used for fine jewelry, like engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings. It has a deeper gold tone and is also the least likely to tarnish. However, the material will become affected with every-day use, because it’s softer.18K gold rings are still the best choice for anyone who prefer yellow gold and the vibrant gold tone. With 75% gold, 18K is typically the purest gold typically used in rings for every day wear.
The Bottom Line
After learning all this information, the largest takeaway is there are different kinds of gold that are designed for every budget and function. In comparison to other cheaper materials out there, solid gold is the better option, for its quality and durability. Solid gold you buy once but other cheaper alternatives like gold veneer you will have to replace.
Contact us and let our experts guide you to find the gold wedding bands and engagement rings that is more suited for your lifestyle and give the greatest value for your money. Our extensive collection only offers solid gold and platinum. Although we have some of the best prices, we never take shortcuts when it comes to quality. Contact us today and we will give you transparent pricing, sustainable material and luxury quality.