If you’re wondering whether 18K gold or 14K gold is better for your jewellery, you’re not alone! This question comes up all the time, so lets take a closer look...
Understanding karats in gold jewellery: what karat is pure gold?
When wondering what is the highest karat of gold, or what karat is pure gold - there's a few things to remember. Gold’s value and quality are measured in “karats” (K), which represent the percentage of pure gold in a piece. Pure gold is 24K, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. Since pure gold is too soft for durable jewellery, it’s often alloyed with other metals like silver, copper, or nickel to boost strength. However, that's where problems with nickel allergies come in, because other brands (not Elk & Bloom!), mix with lower grade metals that are not hypoallergenic, or safe for sensitive ears.
Karat Gold Meaning
The meaning of gold karat is the % of gold present in the item. For example, with 18K gold, you’re getting 75% pure gold, while 14K contains about 58% pure gold. This balance impacts not only the look (colour of the item) and feel, of each type, but also its durability, making each karat level unique for different styles and uses.
How to tell what karat gold is - gold percentage & colour differences in 18K and 14K gold
When trying to find out how to tell what karat gold is, just by looking at the item - the colour difference is usually the biggest giveaway. Between 14K and 18K gold is subtle but noticeable to the naked eye. Because it has a higher gold content, 18K gold has a richer, warmer yellow tone. You'll usually find this kind of gold in India and Asia, due to their cultural preferences. 14K gold, on the other hand, is made with more alloyed metals, and has a lighter hue, which some people prefer for a softer look and is more often see in western culture, due to their preference with mixing gold and silver, alongside other metals, in their outfits.
Gold jewellery also comes in various tones like white, yellow, and rose gold. Yellow gold complements warm skin tones, while white gold looks great on cooler skin tones. Rose gold, with its unique pink tint, is a versatile option that flatters most skin tones.
Durability: what karat gold is best for everyday use?
For everyday jewellery you may be asking, is 14 or 18 karat gold good and what is the best karat gold. 14K gold tends to be more durable, thanks to its alloy content. This added strength makes it ideal for items like engagement rings or chunky gold hoops where durability is key.
On the other hand, 18K gold has a luxurious feel and is a perfect choice for special pieces that won’t be exposed to daily wear and tear. Vintage pieces made from 18K gold develop a beautiful patina over time, giving them a unique, antique look.
Hypoallergenic Jewellery: 18k vs 14k gold - earrings for sensitive ears and skin
One of the biggest factors for hypoallergenic jewellery, safe for sensitive ears, is the amount of alloy in the jewellery. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to metal allergies or if you have a nickel allergy, 18K gold is generally a better choice because it has a higher percentage of pure gold. However, if you're opting for 14K gold earrings, yellow or rose gold, we'd recommend you ask the brand you're buying from to tell you if their jewellery contains hypoallergenic materials, or nickel - just to be sure! Additionally, take care when buying white gold, which often contains nickel.
However, you can be sure that when purchasing from Elk & Bloom, none of our jewellery contains nickel and is completely hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, as we use the highest grade metals in our jewellery!
Value & Cost: How much is 18 karat gold worth
If you’re wondering how 14k and 18k gold compare, what karat gold is best and how much does each karat gold cost, a good rule of thumb is that 14K gold is usually always more affordable than 18K due to its lower gold content. But remember, the price of jewellery doesn’t hinge solely on karats. Larger diamonds, intricate designs, or custom detailing can make a 14K piece cost more than an 18K one with fewer added features.
Difference between 18K and 14K gold based on your lifestyle
When exploring differences between 18k and 14k, it's important to ask, are you active, on the go, or need something that withstands daily life, or just for the occasional wear? If the former, then 14K gold is a practical, sturdy option. If you’re after jewellery for special occasions and prefer the rich colour of higher-karat gold, 18K may be worth the investment for its beauty and purity.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for which is “better.” It’s all about finding what suits your lifestyle, aesthetic, and budget best. Whichever karat you choose, your gold jewellery will keep your outfits beautiful and timeless at any occasion.
Speak soon!
Dominique xx