Some Information on 18 Karat Gold

Gold that is 75% pure is known as 18k gold. When you buy jewelry with 18k gold, 75%of the metal in the item is gold and 25% is silver, platinum, nickel, or another kind of metal. 18k is a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands because it presents a pretty good balance between purity and durability. 

While 24k gold is the purest, it's too soft for daily wear. But the stronger it gets with the addition of other metals, the less pure the gold is and therefore, the less valuable. 18k gold is a good balance, offering a rich color and sufficient strength for everyday use for most people. This is why it’s the most popular overall metal purity for jewelry.

Should you get an 18k gold ring?

Gold is very soft but 18k gold is only 75% pure. This means the other metals make it strong enough for daily wear for most people. However, you should think about your lifestyle. Although it is strong enough for daily wear, it is still susceptible to scratches. It’s also susceptible to tarnishing. If you work with your hands in a physically demanding way, you may want to consider a lesser purity. 14k gold is more durable and resists tarnish better. Depending on the likelihood of damage, you may even want to consider a 10k ring. 

Color is an important consideration, too, of course. 24k is a bright, vibrant yellow. 18k gold has a rich, deep golden hue. 14k is a warm yellow. 10k is light yellow.  For many, 18k represents a great balance where color is concerned. Keep in mind it has close to thirty percent more gold than 14k gold, so it will be more expensive.

If you would like to start planning gold and other choices for your engagement ring or for any other jewelry, let me help. You can give me a call or you can drop by our La Jolla showroom. You’ll be glad you did!

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