In recent years more and more customers have asked us what is the difference between 14k and 18k gold. We are glad to see that there is more and more interest in getting to know the world of jewelry. As I have always said, only with education can we come to appreciate together a true gem. And that's the only way we see them at their true value, as objects of art.
Where did the curiosity about gold start?
Some of you have asked yourself more than once: should I choose 14k or 18k gold?
But let's get to know gold first.
In its pure form gold is one of the least reactive elements. "K" (or "kt" in certain situations) is short for "karat" and represents the percentage of pure gold in the alloy. Yes, several metals can have "karat", symbolizing that they also have gold in the composition. It is very important not to confuse "kt" with "ct", the latter being the unit of measurement for precious/semi-precious stones and 1 ct means 0.2 grams.
18 karat gold has a higher price for a very simple and obvious reason: it contains a greater amount of pure gold compared to 14k. How is the calculation done? Out of a thousand parts 750 are of pure gold and 250 of other alloys. In the case of 14 karat gold, the calculation looks like this: 585 parts of pure gold and 415 of alloys. 24k gold is 100% pure, meaning 1,000 parts gold, with no alloys.
It is very important to know that 24-karat gold is not often made into jewelry, as it has a low hardness and is soft.
Is 14k gold harder?
Some customers believe that 14k gold is harder, but it is quite possible that this is a misunderstood concept. They are manufacturers of jewelry and accessories that use 18 karat gold and manage to make it very hard, durable and shine longer using master alloys and special treatments.
18k jewelry in a single color (pink, yellow or white) has a higher hardness than similar alloys in 14k. Two-tone gems have a lower hardness, and three-tone ones even lower due to the mix of alloys.
At Valmand we pride ourselves on the fact that we use cutting-edge technology to preserve the durability and brilliance of our jewelry for as long as possible.
Being mixed with other elements, 14 karat gold reacts more quickly to chemical agents and perspiration, which can lead to discoloration of the jewel. This is one of the main reasons why most people prefer 18k gold.
Preconceptions about price
Most of the time branded jewelry is more expensive than non-branded ones and some customers believe that they are paying the "brand" and that it is all a marketing ploy. Fortunately, things are not always like that. Most of the time the higher price is justified by the quality of the materials used, especially when it comes to alloys and the special treatments to which a gem is subjected. Two pieces of jewelry can look very similar, but over time you will see, sometimes with the naked eye, which was made with quality materials and which was not.
Also, there is a popular saying that "jewelry borrows from the nature of the wearer". This is a very cute and poetic way to draw the attention of jewelry lovers to be careful with them because gold can scratch and warp very easily. Even if it is an inanimate object, we must always take into account two important aspects when we relate to a jewel: the context in which it was offered and the feelings that were the basis of the gesture. Appreciating the gem means respecting these two crucial elements.
Despite the fact that gold can warp or damage (especially if purchased from an unauthorized and unprofessional manufacturer) it remains a very good option for jewelry, even in the 14k variant, which is usually preferred for earrings, pendants and occasion accessories. 18k gold is recommended for wedding rings and engagement rings.
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