What Else Should I Keep In Mind
Durability: While higher karat does indicate the purity of a gold wedding ring, it is very important to consider the fact that as a soft metal, high-purity gold may not be the best choice for everyone. If you work with your hands frequently, or are often exposed to chemicals or abrasives that could damage high-content gold bands, a lower karat-and lower cost-wedding ring might actually be a better choice for you.
Color: The alloys commonly combined with gold are not only used to improve the hardness and durability of jewelry. Depending on the alloy that is used, gold wedding rings can be made into a variety of interesting and beautiful colors. Some of the most common include:
What Is 14k Gold
14k gold solitaire diamond ring. See it here.
Pure gold has a total karat weight of 24, and when counting the karat weight in a gold alloy, we simply count how much of the piece is gold and how much is made up of other metals.
14k gold has a higher percentage of pure gold, with more than half of the metal being gold. 14k gold is made of 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts other metals. You can find 14k gold in the popular white, rose and yellow varieties, although youll also find other colors like black and green golds. 14k gold jewelry is typically stamped with 14k, 14kt, or .585, even though it contains 58.3% pure gold to be exact.
K Gold Vs 18k Gold: Which Is Right For Me
Gold remains one the most popular choices for engagement ring settings, and an excellent choice for a look thats both timeless and affordable. You may be wondering should I choose 14k or 18k gold for my engagement ring?
Pure gold is too soft for everyday wear and would not stand the test of time as an engagement ring setting. The gold in your engagement ring setting is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc to make your jewelry more durable. The karatage refers to the percentage of pure gold in the alloy: 18k gold contains 75% gold, 14k gold contains 58.3% gold.
14k gold is more affordable than 18k since it contains less pure gold in the metal, and because it contains a higher percentage of alloyed metals it provides more durability and resistance to wear and tear. 14k gold can be an excellent choice for those with more active lifestyles.
18k gold has a brighter and more vivid appearance. Curious what 14k and 18k golds look like side by side? Weve got you covered. See below for a comparison of 14k and 18k white, yellow and rose gold engagement rings.
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How Many Karats Should A Wedding Ring Be
The best karats to get for your gold wedding rings is 14k. This is because it provides value for money as its the perfect mix of durability without having you feel like youre lacking purity.
Wedding rings made from 14k gold are the most commonly purchased gold rings in the US as they are ideal for wearable jewelry. Youll get a classic gold appearance without spending on 18k gold rings that also happen to be less durable as they have more gold.
The only potential disadvantage of 14k gold wedding rings is theyll be pricier than 10k gold jewelry. Nonetheless, its a good starting ring for undecided couples who want gold bands.
Beautiful Rings In White Gold
In the last decade, the choice of white gold as an engagement ring has skyrocketed, even more than yellow gold. White gold earned this pedigree because of its modern appearance and beautiful shine. It also flatters all skin tones but is best on fair skin. White gold can emphasize the yellow shade of a diamond. So work with colored gemstones or colorless diamonds of the highest clarity. Make them into a halo, pave, pear shape, split shanks, round gold engagement rings, and more. White gold is very durable and less susceptible to scratches, even though not recommended for nickel-sensitive people.
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What Is 10k Gold
10k gold ring by Masterpearl. See it here.
You will not find 10k gold in most retail stores, because this type of gold isnt considered highly valuable. 10k gold is sometimes called discount gold, since it only contains 10 parts pure gold and 14 parts other metals. This means that less than half the metal is actual gold.
10K gold comes in all the popular gold tones, but the yellow gold variety is typically alloyed with silver and copper. The typical hallmark or stamp used for 10k gold jewelry is 10k, 10kt, or .417 since it contains 41.7% pure gold in percentage.
Choosing The Metal For Your Wedding Ring Stick To What You Know
When picking out the metal for your wedding ring, theres just one rule: It must be of the same hardness as that of your engagement ring. This is so neither ring scratches the other.
For example, platinum scores higher on the Mohs Scale of Hardness than gold. If you place a platinum wedding band alongside a gold engagement ring, its almost guaranteed that the gold will become heavily scuffed and scratched over time. This is particularly true of engraved bands like our Hera Ethical Diamond Engagement Ring whose intricately-patterned surfaces are delicate and prone to wearing down quickly when exposed to abrasive substances.
For easy reference, gold scores a 2.5 on the Hardness Scale – whilst platinum scores a 3.5.
If youd like your rings to look fresh-faced for as long as possible, the same metal, or at least two metals of the same hardness, are necessary.
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Isnt All Gold Jewelry Made Using Pure Gold
Contrary to popular belief, when you purchase a gold engagement ring or other type of jewelry, the metal used for the jewelry probably isnt 100% gold.
Pure gold, or 24K gold, is gold that hasnt been mixed with any other metals. 24K gold isnt used for jewelry for several reasons:
- First, its extremelysoft. Because pure gold is so soft, it bends and warps easily, making it a poor metal for jewelry that needs to retain its shape. Pure gold also scratches easily, meaning it doesnt take long for pure gold jewelry to become scuffed and unattractive.
- Second, itsvery bright. The color of pure gold is much brighter and more orange than what most people associate with the gold used in jewelry. Because of this, it generally isnt an attractive metal for rings, watches and other gold jewelry.
- Third, its extremely expensive. Pure gold contains almost twice as much gold as 14K gold , meaning it costs much more to produce jewelry using this metal. On the other hand, its the best type for selling your gold for cash in the future.
Because of these factors, its very uncommon for 24K gold to be used in engagement rings and other types of wearable jewelry in the United States and other Western countries.
Instead, 24K gold tends to be more popular in China and other Eastern markets, where its used in traditional Chinese wedding jewelry such as bangles, in gold bars and as a material for other collectible items.
Brilliant Earth Elodie Ring Set
Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
The luminescent curve of this open-basket design elegantly cradles this round solitaire engagement ring. The striking contrast between the 18k yellow gold and flurry of diamonds is a level of beauty we can’t resist.
14k white gold surrounds an array of brilliant diamonds along a matching pavé-set band. An effortlessly elegant diamond solitaire sits pretty as the star of the show.
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Capucinne Diamond Wedding Ring Set
Courtesy of Capucinne
While this pair is undoubtedly edgy and modern, there’s something incredibly special about this triangular-shaped diamond set, too. With just three dainty stones sitting atop the engagement ring’s center stone, this wedding band is the cherry on top of an unforgettable piece.
Is 24k Gold The Best
After understanding the karat system, youll understand that 24 karat gold is pure gold. 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. Despite being dense, and therefore considered a heavy metal, gold is remarkably malleable and easy to work with. 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.
Malleability and softness are just the beginning. Pure gold is also very bright. If you picture pure gold in your head, youre probably thinking of a gold alloy. The true color of pure gold is both brighter and more orange than what most people picture. Accordingly, it makes for unattractive jewelry in many cases.
That said, 24k gold is possibly the worst option for an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry its too soft, too bright, and too expensive to be worthwhile.
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Which Gold Is Most Suitable For Engagement Rings
Shopping for an engagement ring? Theres more to picking the perfect ring than just choosing the right diamond and setting. The type of gold used in an engagement ring can have a huge impact on its appearance, feel and durability. We recently helped two readers find rose gold engagement rings. One reader went with this bold 14K setting from James Allen while the other went with this, subtler, 18K setting from Blue Nile.
Most importantly, making the right choice can help you get the best bang for your buck overall. Take this ring from James Allen for example. Depending on which metal you choose, the price difference is $400. That means you can get this diamond or if you end up with the 14K version of this ring, you can get this diamond which is a whopping 25% larger while spending the same amount of money.
Contrary to popular belief, theres no single type of gold used for all gold jewelry. The gold used for rings, bracelets, watches and other fine jewelry is rarely 100% pure gold instead, it comes in a variety of different purity levels.
The most common gold purity levels are 10K , 14K, 18K and 24K. Each level of gold purity offers its own range of advantages and disadvantages, from hardness and durability to the risk of certain levels of gold purity contributing to skin irritation.
Is 14k Gold Good For Wedding Rings Why
14k gold also makes excellent wedding rings. This kind of jewelry is made of a little more gold, specifically 14 parts in pure gold, but only 10 parts of the gold alloy. This alloy is harder and more durable.
Though not as much as hard as the 10k gold because it has a smaller percentage of metal alloys, 14k gold still makes an excellent option for metals used in jewelry making. 14K wedding rings are also popular among newlyweds because of the beautiful gold color.
14K wedding bands are made of 58.5% gold, and its also quite durable as it doesnt scratch easily. The 14K gold is also a great choice for most people because it allows for complex and more intricate designs, and it also makes for excellent settings for the use of inlaid diamonds and other gemstones.
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Most Common Ring Metal: Gold
Yellow gold is the most common metal used for engagement rings. Its warm, yellowish hue complements diamonds, as well as a number of other colored gemstones.
Heres something I bet you didnt know: most gold rings are not made of pure gold. Pure, 24-karat gold is rarely used in jewelry. Gold by itself is orange in color and very soft. Jewelers mix it with many different metals, including copper, nickel, and zinc, to create gold alloys with different colors and strengths.
Romantic Heart Engagement Rings
A gold engagement ring with heart-shaped gemstones is alluring. They portray glamour and are suitable for white, yellow, and rose gold. The bands come in many styles, like plain, braided, twisted, thin, petite, and more. Merge these bands with heart-shaped gems like diamonds or colored counterparts in sturdy settings. They exude a delicate, romantic, and feminine look perfect for the tender bride.
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Pros And Cons Of 14k Yellow Gold
Being the most popular choice, nearly 90% of all wedding rings and engagements rings sold in the United States consist of 14K gold. Why is it so popular? 14K contains 58.5% gold and is the perfect compromise as its still quite durable and will not easily tarnish.
It also has a beautiful yellow gold color that youll have a hard time telling apart from an 18k. Aside from being a premium gold, it is still comparably cheap.
Theres a huge gap in durability between 14k and 18k as the former will usually take much longer to show visible marks of wear and tear. This is why 14k gold is the best choice for anyone looking for the perfect balance in durability, price, and look.
The Difference Between 10k Gold Rings 14k Gold Rings & 18k Gold Rings
Throughout its long history, gold has been coveted among those seeking status, wealth, and beauty. gold has sparked the movement of people and was integral in the creation of a monetary system. Gold is a naturally occurring metal and considered to be one of the most precious in the world due to its rarity and high value. On the periodic table of elements, Gold is a transition metal and can be found in the same column as silver and copper. Gold is highly resistant to oxidization and is soft and malleable, which is why most Gold jewelry and gold wedding bands are actually an alloy of Gold and other metals. Golds natural color is yellow.
When it comes to gold wedding bands, brides and grooms have many choices, and trying to select between 10K gold, 14K gold, or 18K gold rings may have some couples scratching their heads. To understand the differences in the three, its important to understand what a karat is.
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