After spending 3 days researching which feels like doing a Ph.D. in jewelry I’m ready to share with you which gold is the best fit.
From the 10k, 14k, and 18k gold there’s only one that works for the majority of people.
Look:
My goal in this article is to show you which gold ring suit your needs the best. You want to make your choice right from the start since it’s a sizeable investment.
I’ve arranged this article the following way, first I will share with you what’s karat and then I will reveal what are the pros and cons of each gold.
Which one will be your winner?
What do the Differences in Karat Mean?
The karat count of various pieces distinguishes the difference in their gold purity. Pure gold would technically be 100% gold or 24 karats, but generally comes out to around 99.9%. 18 karat gold is 75% gold, meaning it’s been mixed with a combination of metal alloys to make the gold harder or more durable. The ratio of gold to metal alloy makes the piece more or less expensive, and more or less durable. This is why the karat grading exist. As the purity goes up and prices go up, durability comes down, but there are factors to consider as well.
I suggest you read the following page if you are looking for the top places to buy engagement rings online.
Why Don’t Pure Gold Rings Exist?
Technically they do, but they’re extremely difficult to find and are generally only used for rare, special ceremonies. Pure gold isn’t mixed with other metals, so it remains incredibly soft — bending, scratching or otherwise warping far too easily. Regular daily wear could lead to blemishes and other imperfections almost immediately.
Pure gold is extraordinarily bright. Most of us aren’t used to seeing pure gold jewelry meshed into daily life. Its intense yellow hue can almost take on an orange tone we don’t normally associate with high-end jewelry.
Also, pure gold is expensive. Easily warped, too soft for daily wear and not the color you’re accustomed to are all reasons not to spend the hefty price difference to bump up to pure gold. It has nearly twice the gold content as 14k gold, which is the most popular gold level sold in the United States currently.
So, in response to the question: “Why don’t pure gold rings exist?” Their impracticability. The best purpose for purchase aside from status would be if you’re considering selling your jewelry in the future, not wearing it.
Pros and Cons of 10K Yellow Gold
The first thing to note about 10 karat gold is that it has a higher percentage of alloys than actual gold. With 41.7% gold and 58.3% metal alloys, it’s the most affordable and durable gold. On the other hand, its impurity can trigger allergies and its metal mixture makes the color less vibrant, so it’s generally used for affordable jewelry as opposed to high-end pieces. Sometimes it’s even referred to as discount gold.
On the other hand, there are people who appreciate its lighter tone and resistant nature. It can be especially ideal for anyone working consistently with hard surfaces that could scuff or scratch a ring. If you’re buying it as a gift, it’s a good idea to find out in advance if your recipient has any allergies to specific metals. Continually wearing a 10k gold ring could cause some people to break out.
Although it requires more effort to maintain an ideal appearance because the impurities tarnish easier than 14k or 18k, it’s difficult to distinguish it from 14 karats just by looking at it. So yes, there are pros and cons of 10k yellow gold, but overall it can be a good choice for its affordability combined with its lasting power.
Check out our post on Red Rock Secured Reviews.
Pros and Cons of 14K Yellow Gold
The most popular gold is 14 karat gold. With 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy, it accounts for about 90% of wedding and engagement rings in the U.S. It’s generally toted as the best value considering its optimal blend of purity and durability.
Beyond simply being the most popular, let’s review the more intimate details of the pros and cons of 14k yellow gold. First being that it has a beautiful shade —substantially and appealingly golden without being extreme — that is difficult to pick out from jewelry made of 18k gold. So despite having less gold content, it looks almost the same, yet is far more durable, showing less signs of wear and tear while also not tarnishing like the 10k gold might. Its color will be less saturated than that of 18k gold, but many people actually prefer the more subtle shade. It carries less yellow in it.
The only true downside worth mentioning is that it still has a higher likelihood of triggering skin allergies than 18k gold. Other than that, it’s simply that technically it would be worth less if you’re aiming for a status symbol or if you were ever looking to sell in the far future.
If you’re uncertain what to get, 14 karats is a perfect go-to option for a balance of not wiping out your budget, long lasting without tarnish or warping, and a clean diamond color that everyone seems to appreciate. On top of that, it still is considered a premium gold.
Pros and Cons of 18K Yellow Gold
18 karat gold is the highest gold content you can get without your jewelry becoming so vulnerable that it becomes essentially unwearable. With 75% gold and 25% alloy, it is customarily the purest gold available for jewelry or watches.
Conclusions
As you have seen 10k gold is very cheap and it’s not that pretty and on the other hand, it’s durable. 14k gold is the best of both worlds. It’s beautiful and durable at the same time. Also, the price isn’t that over the top either. No wonder why 9 out of 10 people choose it as their engagement/wedding ring.
18k gold is the purest commercially available. Since it has so much gold in it’s not that durable. You have to make sure you remove your ring before you try something with an effort because it might bend.
Now you know which ring is your best choice. Now the question remains where do you find your perfect wedding ring?
No matter which gold you are looking for, James Allen has you covered. They are the premier online diamond store, and their wide collection of diamond engagement rings and precious gems is second to none.
