10k vs 14k and 14k vs 18k Gold - Here's the Difference

Here we delve in more detail into the properties and advantages and disadvantages of 10k, 14k and 18k gold. This gold jewelry guide will guide you in choosing gold jewelry in the most informed way possible.

The Karat System: Deciphering the Numbers

Gold purity in the karats (k or kt) system. All it scales on is a scale of 24, with 24k being pure gold (99.9%). Pure gold is too soft to be used in most jewelry applications; so is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability.  The letter "k" is a part of the name that indicates the proportion of gold in the alloy (the number before it). For example: 

• 24k Gold: 24/24 parts gold (99.9% pure)  

• 18k Gold: 18/24 parts gold (75% pure)

• 14k Gold: 14/24 parts gold (58.3% pure) 

• 10k Gold: 10/24 parts gold (41.7% pure) 

Other metals that can be included in the remaining percentage are copper, silver, zinc, nickel, palladium and others. The alloy can be made of different specific metals, so their use may affect the gold’s color (yellow, white, rose), and perhaps other properties.  

10k Gold: It is the Durable and Affordable Option

• Composition: 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metal. Since this includes such a high percentage of the alloy, 10k gold is the strongest and most durable of the three.  

• Durability: Very resistant to scratching, denting, or bending. This makes it a great daily wear, especially to rings or other jewelry and such that are frequently in contact with hard surfaces or everyday wear conditions.  

• Color: Of the three, it has the palest yellow color. The higher alloy increases the amount of other metals and dilutes the natural orange hue of gold.

• Price: At a lower gold content because this is by far the most affordable option.

Advantages:

• Super durable for people who live an active life.  

• Budget-friendly.

Disadvantages:

• Lower gold content, and so a less vibrant yellow color.

• May cause more allergic reactions in people sensitive to some metals, particularly nickel.

• Lower resale value compared to higher karat gold due to less gold content.

14k Gold: The Balanced Choice

• Composition: 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metal.

• Color: It’s richer yellow than 10k gold but not as deep as 18k gold. It’s a visual treat for many people and is therefore very much a popular choice.

• Price: Very good value for a mid range price, and offers good quality for the price.

Advantages:

• Balanced on durability, color and affordability.

Disadvantages:

• Less pure than 18k gold.

18k Gold: The Most Purest and Luxurious Option

• Composition: All gold and 25% other metals. This high gold content gives it the greatest richness and greatest depth of color.

• Price: Of the three, with the highest gold content, the most expensive.

Other Important Factors:

• Skin Sensitivity: 18k gold is the safest if you have sensitive skin or get known metal allergies because there is more gold.  

• Lifestyle: Look at what you do each day and see what your jewelry gets scratched against, or even banged. If you are active, 10k or 14k gold is recommended.

• Investment Potential: And even if you do base your purchase on the value of gold, from a historical point of view, this should be a secondary or narrow indicator compared to how gold makes you feel and aesthetically how it looks. The intrinsic value of a higher karat gold is just a reflection of the gold content in it, moreover, there are other parameters in play such as craftsmanship, design and gemstones as well.  

Commonly used gold alloys and their purity levels:

Together, the metals combine to make gold more durable and change the appearance. There are common alloys such as 18k, 14k and 10k gold. The table below outlines their purity levels:

• 24k gold: 99.9% pure gold

• 22k gold: Approximately 91.7% pure gold

• 18k gold: 75% pure gold

• 14k gold: 58.3% pure gold

• 10k gold: 41.7% pure gold

Gold jewelry is marked with hallmarks that are symbols or stamps giving an indication to its purity and authenticity. Search for marks like 750 if it’s a 18k price or 585 for 14k pricing.

Testing Methods 

Acid Testing 

• This is numbered and used mostly by professionals and measures the amount of gold in other metal alloying. 

• That is a matter of applying nitric acid to the gold alloy, observing the reaction compared to pure gold.

• When acid testing for gold purity, you’re going to want to arm yourself with a testing kit in nitric acid with varying strengths, test stone, and protective safety including gloves and goggles because acid testing is something that needs to be done with caution. 

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