What makes 18k gold

Every precious metal has its disadvantages. For 18k gold, the biggest disadvantages are that it will be more expensive and softer than 14k gold.

No metal is invincible; even platinum needs some TLC every now and then. But the higher percentage of gold will make this metal slightly more prone to dents and scratches. This may mean that you need to clean or maintain your ring on a more frequent basis, as well as be more mindful when wearing your ring. Posted by Haley Anhut. More from The Origin Blog. How to Talk Engagement Ring Cost. Gold Engagement Rings. Note that karats, a system for measuring the purity of gold, are different than carats, which are commonly used to measure the weight of a diamond.

Not only are they used to evaluate different jewelry elements gold vs. The karat rating of a gold item tells you nothing about the weight, and the carat size of a diamond tells you nothing about its purity. On top of the above, while carat is used to price diamonds , karat, while does have an affect on pricing, is not part of gold's pricing system. Initially, you may believe this means 24k gold is the best possible option.

After all, purity seems to be a good thing - not only will the piece be more attractive and more sought-after, but it will also carry bragging rights, correct?

Not necessarily. While it is the highest karat gold possible and while gold is a beautiful substance, it comes with a lot of disadvantages. For starters, gold is soft. This makes it an ideal material for jewelry in some respects, because it can be fashioned into any shape easily, but it can also result in weakness.

Wearing 24k gold jewelry can leave it vulnerable to scratching, bending, warping, and other forms of damage. For a piece of jewelry to be practical, it needs to be able to retain its shape and remain attractive for a long period of time.

Gold and Diamond Buying. Jewelry Polishing and Cleaning. Jewelry Restoration. Schedule Appointment. Log in. Close cart. Schedule Appointment Instagram Facebook Pinterest. What's the Difference Between a Karat and a Carat?

Appearance: 10k gold is pale yellow in color. It's the least yellow of all the karat types since it contains the least amount of gold. Advantages: The primary advantage of 10k gold is its durability. Since it's more alloy than gold, it stands up well to wear and tear.

It's also the least expensive option out of all the most frequently used gold alloys. Disadvantages: Some people might be allergic to the alloy used with this gold. Additionally, the pale color is not as robust as the higher karat levels of gold. Common uses: 10k gold is commonly used for affordable jewelry of all types, but specifically earrings.

Appearance: 14k gold has a yellow hue brighter than 10k gold, but not nearly as vibrant as 24k gold. Advantages: Most jewelers and consumers love 14k gold for its perfect balance of durability, affordability, and appearance.

It's a bright gold that can handle everyday wear. Disadvantages: There is the potential for allergic reactions to the alloy like with 10k gold. Common uses: 14k gold is the most common type of gold used for engagement and wedding rings.

Others take the history, circumstance, or sentimental value into consideration, too. Some also consider the look of the gold, as the higher the karat of the gold, the more yellow it appears. Sometimes 14K is the better complement to the desired gems for the piece or just has a more appealing look. Because of its higher percentage of alloyed metals, 14k gold offers more resistance to wear and tear. Thus, it is ideal for everyday use and is the most popular choice for engagement rings and simple wedding bands.

Those with active lifestyles should definitely consider getting 14K gold jewelry because it holds up better in sports, manual labor, and other rigorous, regular activities.