Soft Gold, Hard Decision: Wedding Band Choices

Pure gold is too soft for everyday wear, so wedding bands are usually made from an alloy of gold and other metals. 18K gold is 75% pure gold, while 14K gold is 58.3% pure gold. 18K gold is noticeably softer and easier to scratch than 14K gold, so it may not be the best choice for those with an active lifestyle or those who work with their hands. However, the difference in durability is negligible, and 18K gold is more common in Europe, where people seem to do just fine with the purer rings. Additionally, 18K gold is less likely to trigger skin allergies.

18k gold is more expensive and less durable than 14k gold

Gold is a popular choice for wedding bands, but it is a soft metal, so it is often alloyed with other metals to make it more durable. The amount of gold in an alloy is measured in karats (K), with 24K gold being pure gold. 18K gold is 75% gold and 25% alloyed metals, while 14K gold is 58.3% gold. This means that 14K gold jewellery is harder and more durable than 18K gold.

As 14K gold contains less gold, it tends to be more affordable than 18K gold. For example, a 2mm solitaire engagement ring from James Allen costs $560 when 14K gold is chosen as the metal, but the same ring in 18K gold costs $680. The price difference can be even more significant for more detailed or larger jewellery pieces, with the price of 18K gold being as much as 150-200% higher than 14K gold.

In terms of appearance, 18K gold has a richer, more vibrant colour, while 14K gold has a lighter tone due to the higher proportion of alloys. However, the difference in colour is subtle, and most people cannot tell the difference between 14K and 18K gold unless the pieces are placed side by side.

In terms of durability, 14K gold is more resistant to tarnishing and discolouration than 18K gold. 14K gold is also more resistant to scratching and denting and will show signs of wear and tear more slowly. Therefore, 14K gold is a better choice for everyday wear and for those with an active lifestyle or those who work with their hands.

In summary, 14K gold is more affordable, more durable, and better suited to everyday wear than 18K gold. However, 18K gold has a richer colour and is more suitable for special occasions or for those who prefer the truest colour of gold. Ultimately, the choice between 14K and 18K gold depends on personal preference and lifestyle.

18k gold is 75% pure gold, while 14k gold is 58.3% pure gold

Pure gold is 24 karats and is much too soft for everyday wear. Therefore, gold wedding bands are made by alloying gold with other metals. The number before the K indicates the amount of gold in the ring based on this 24K scale.

An 18K gold ring is 75% pure gold, i.e., it has 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals. The higher the karat number, the more pure gold comprises the metal. 18K gold is the purest form of gold used extensively in jewellery, including watches. It has a rich, warm golden hue and is what people typically imagine when they think of gold jewellery. However, due to its high gold content, 18K gold is quite soft and can be easily scratched with daily wear and tear. It is also significantly more expensive than 14K gold.

A 14K gold ring, on the other hand, is 58.3% pure gold, i.e., it has 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. 14K gold has a rich colour, with the classic gold appearance that most customers look for in rings and other jewellery. Its colour is slightly less saturated and intense than 18K gold, making it an excellent choice if you want gold jewellery that is rich and attractive but not overly yellow. 14K gold is also more affordable than 18K gold, making it a good all-round option if you're looking for a mix of quality, durability, and value for money.

18k gold is more likely to trigger skin allergies than 14k gold

Pure gold is highly resistant to oxidization and is soft and malleable, which is why most gold jewellery is made from a mixture of gold and other metals. This mixture is called an alloy.

Gold jewellery is available in different karat ratings, which indicate the amount of pure gold in the item. Pure gold is 24 karats, and gold jewellery ranges from 10 karats to 22 karats. The higher the number of karats, the more gold the item contains. For example, an 18 karat gold ring will be more yellow than a 14 karat gold ring.

Gold allergies are uncommon, and it is more likely that people are allergic to other metals that are mixed with the gold, such as nickel. In a 2001 study, 9.5% of 4101 people tested were allergic to gold. Symptoms of a gold allergy include redness, swelling, rashes, itching, peeling, blistering, and dark spots, and can range from mild to severe.

Allergies to gold are more likely to occur with lower karat gold, as these items contain a higher percentage of other metals. 18 karat gold contains fewer other metals and only trace amounts of nickel, so the risk of allergies is low. 14 karat gold may contain nickel, which can cause skin allergies, but it is still more durable than 18 karat gold.

If you are concerned about allergies, it is recommended to opt for 18 karat gold or higher, or to choose platinum, palladium, or hypoallergenic jewellery.

18k gold is more commonly purchased by international customers, especially in Europe

18-karat gold is considered too soft for a wedding band by some people. Pure gold is 24 karats, and it is much too soft to be made into a durable and lasting wedding ring. Therefore, gold wedding bands usually consist of alloy metals and gold. The higher the karat number, the more gold in the ring, and the softer it will be. 18-karat gold is 75% gold, while 14-karat gold is 58.3% gold.

While 18-karat gold is more expensive and less durable than 14-karat gold, it is still commonly purchased by international customers, especially in Europe. In fact, 18-karat gold is the norm in Europe. This preference may be due to cultural differences in how people value gold. In some places, 22 and 24-karat gold are considered the only "real" gold, and lower-karat gold is seen as inferior. Additionally, 18-karat gold has a darker and more orange-coloured shine, which some people find more aesthetically pleasing. It is also less likely to cause allergic reactions, as it contains fewer alloying metals.

For those who lead a more active lifestyle or work with their hands, 14-karat gold may be a better choice, as it is more durable and scratch-resistant. However, for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle or have a desk job, the softness of 18-karat gold is not an issue. Ultimately, the decision between 14-karat and 18-karat gold comes down to personal preference, budget, and lifestyle.

18k gold is more suitable for those with a more sedentary lifestyle

Pure gold, or 24-karat gold, is too soft for everyday wear and is also very expensive. This is why most gold jewellery, including wedding bands, is made from an alloy of gold and other metals. The higher the karat number, the more gold is in the ring. 18-karat gold is made up of 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metals, and is 75% pure gold.

While 18-karat gold is a popular choice for wedding bands, it is softer than 14-karat gold, which is made up of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. This means that 18-karat gold is more likely to scratch or dent than 14-karat gold. However, the difference in durability is negligible, and 18-karat gold is still durable enough for everyday wear. Therefore, 18-karat gold may be more suitable for those with a more sedentary lifestyle.

If you work with your hands, or have an active lifestyle, then 14-karat gold may be a better choice. 14-karat gold is also a more popular choice in the US, while 18-karat gold is more popular in the UK and Europe. 18-karat gold is also more expensive than 14-karat gold.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose 14-karat or 18-karat gold for a wedding band depends on personal preference, budget, and lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions