What Is the Difference Between 14K & 18K White & Yellow Gold?

Gold can be either white or yellow, and both are measured in karats of either 14K or 18K. Pure yellow gold is considered classic gold and is very soft. Gold needs to have other metals added to it to make it hard enough to produce the jewelry. White gold is mixed with white-toned alloys that give it a silver appearance.

Karat

A karat is a unit of purity that measures the fineness of gold. Gold that is designated as 14K gold is 58.3 percent pure gold, and 18K gold is 75 percent gold and has more color.

Other Metals

Other metals are mixed with gold to increase its hardness. The metals most often used are copper, silver, and zinc

Price

Gold is sold by weight. The higher purity of the gold, the higher the price is going to be. In the United States, most gold jewelry is 14K gold because it is cheaper and more durable than 18K gold, which is 20 to 25 percent more expensive that 14K.

Plating

All white gold is rhodium plated, which can wear off in time.

Appearance

Whether yellow or white, 18K gold is brighter and shinier than 14K gold, which has a duller appearance.

References

• WeddingRings.net: What is the difference between 14K and 18K Gold
• PerryOlsen.com: 18K vs 14K Gold