As pure gold is too soft for everyday wear, gold jewelry often also contains other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel or zinc, to make the piece more durable. The karatage shows how much of the metal is pure gold, compared to other metals. 24k is 100% gold, while 18k is 75% gold, and 14k is 58.3% gold.
Comparison chart
14k Gold versus 18k Gold comparison chart  | 14k Gold | 18k Gold |
|---|
| Percentage of gold | 58.3% | 75% |
|---|
| Also known as | 583 gold | 750 gold |
|---|
| Value | Less expensive | More expensive than 14k gold |
|---|
| Vividness of color | Less vivid | More vivid than 14k gold, duller than 24k |
|---|
| Resistance | More resistant to tarnishing | Less resistant to tarnishing |
|---|
| Common Uses | normal jewelry | Fine jewelry, electronics |
|---|
Gold Market in Dubai
Difference in Appearance
It is almost impossible to tell the difference between 14k gold and 18k gold just by looking at them. However, experts say that the yellow color of 18k gold is more rich and vivid than in 14k gold.
Uses
14k gold is the most common type of gold in the US, and is used in approximately 90% of wedding bands. It is preferable for people who live more physically active lifestyles, as it is more durable than 18k gold.
18k gold is the most common type of gold used in Europe and Asia. As it is less resistant than 14k gold, it shows marks after less rough use.
Other Terms
As 14k gold is 58.3% gold, in Europe it can also be referred to as 583 gold. 18k gold can be referred to as 750 gold.
Value
The price of gold jewelry varies, but as 18k contains more gold than 14k, it is always more expensive. Both are always less expensive than 24k gold and platinum.
The value of 14k gold is calculated by multiplying its pennyweight by .583, dividing the current spot gold price by the number of pennyweights per ounce, and then multiplying the two values together.
The value of 18k gold can be calculated by multiplying the pennyweight by .750 and then following the same steps as above.
References
Share this comparison via:
If you read this far, you should follow us:
"14k Gold vs 18k Gold." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 16 Apr 2024. < >
Comments: 14k Gold vs 18k Gold
FAQs
While 18k gold is more expensive than 14k, it also lasts longer and can be worn longer without having to be repaired or replaced. 18k gold jewelry is more expensive than 14k gold jewelry because it contains more pure gold. The price difference is often minimal, though.
Can you visually tell the difference between 14K and 18K gold? ›
In general, 14K gold will offer a warmer yellow, warmer white, and pinker rose. 18K gold, on the other hand, will provide a brighter yellow, whiter white, and a peachier rose.
Is 18K gold good enough? ›
18 karat gold is your best all-around gold choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. With gold making up 18 of the 24 parts in the alloy, 18K has a gold purity of 75%, or a fineness of 750 (you will sometimes see a purity stamp of 750 instead of 18K).
What are the disadvantages of 18K gold? ›
Disadvantages: 18k gold carries a higher price tag than 10k or 14k gold and is far less durable. You might end up scratching or scuffing it just through normal daily wear. For this reason, it's not frequently used for rings.
Is 14K plated gold better than 18K? ›
14K solid gold is better for daily use jewellery pieces. For jewellery that is worn on more exposed areas, this type of gold of jewellery is more durable. Often 14K solid gold is used for wedding rings and bracelets. 18K gold plated jewellery is better for less exposed areas, that are not exposed to abrasions.
Can gold say 18K and be fake? ›
There are two standard purity scales based on karats and millesimal fineness. The valid purity number for an 18K gold is 18K in the karat system and 750 in the Millesimal Fineness system. Anything other than the numbers above are false purity numbers.
Should I get 14k or 18K yellow gold? ›
Because 14k gold contains a higher percentage of alloyed metals it provides more durability and resistance to wear and tear. 14k gold can be an excellent choice for those with more active lifestyles. 18k yellow gold has a brighter and more vivid appearance.
Is 18k gold too soft for everyday wear? ›
This is the purest form of gold used extensively in jewelry, including watches. It has a rich, warm golden hue and is what people typically imagine when they think of gold jewelry. But because gold is naturally so soft, and 18K gold is 75% pure, it can be easily scratched with daily wear and tear.
What karat gold is best for everyday use? ›
14K (58% gold and 42% alloyed metals)
This alloy offers more resistance to wear and tear than either 18K or 22K. It's ideal for everyday use and is the most popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.
Can you wear 18 carat gold everyday? ›
Although, the higher the carats the more valuable your gold is, it doesn't mean it needs to be saved for special occasions. 18-carat gold is extremely durable which means you can wear it daily as it is less likely to tarnish or scratch.
18K Gold: Advantages and Disadvantages
Another advantage of 18K gold is they are less likely to trigger skin conditions such as allergy. However, its major drawback is durability. It isn't a good option for people who like wearing their precious metals daily or during physical activity.
How much is 1 gram of 18K gold worth? ›
Why do jewelers use 18K gold? ›
Because 24k gold is soft, it is not ideally suited for everyday jewelry, and for that reason, pure gold is mixed with other alloys to create the best quality composition for your jewelry. 18k gold is 75% pure gold (18/24 = . 75) combined with other alloys to give it the strength and durability for everyday wear.
Is 14K gold good for everyday wear? ›
There is look and feel, durability and style. 18K gold jewelry is softer and more delicate and may not be ideal for everyday wear or carefree handling. But with more alloyed metals, 14k gold offers more durability. It is lightweight and conducive for daily wear.
Is 14K or 18K gold better for an engagement ring? ›
14K gold is the most popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. Whether yellow, white or rose, 14K's mix of purity and durability makes it an ideal choice for these rings since they are geared for everyday wear.
Can I pawn 18K gold plated? ›
The answer is yes; you can absolutely pawn gold plated jewellery, but it depends on the base metal. Pawning gold plated jewellery is really only ever worthwhile if the base metal of your item is made of a precious base metal like silver.
Is 14k or 18K gold shinier? ›
The color of 18K gold is also related to its gold content. Because there is a higher gold content in 18K gold, the color of the gold will be brighter than 14K gold. Yellow gold engagement rings and white gold engagement rings will be brighter, while rose gold will have a peachier color.
How to tell if something is 18K gold? ›
Hallmarks are imprinted numbers on most authentic jewelry items to showcase their karat percentage. You can expect to see a marking of 24K-10K written somewhere inside of a ring or on the side of a bracelet. These markings may also be written as “750” for 18K gold.
How can you tell if something is 14k gold? ›
Look for Hallmarks
Whenever you buy gold jewelry, it comes engraved with a hallmark stamp (identifying its content and the manufacturer). It is one of the easiest and quickest ways to identify the purity of the gold. The standards of the purity scales are based upon “karats” and “millesimal fineness”.
How to test 18K vs 14k? ›
Acid. Acid testing is a great way to test 18k gold. To determine if your 18- karat gold is real, simply place your gold piece of jewelry in nitric acid and observe its reaction. If a green reaction occurs, it is a metal of a lower karat content.
18k Gold 
Diamond 
Platinum 
Diamond 