Gold rings have had cultural and monetary significance since the beginning of time. They are a sign of prosperity, union and personal style. Since gold is one of the most expensive metals, it is important to have prior knowledge of its quality before buying it to ensure that your investment stays worthwhile. In this guide, we are going to learn more about the difference between a 14kt gold ring and 18kt gold ring.
Understanding Gold Karats: What 14kt and 18kt Really Mean
Measurement of gold is done in karats, a unit that indicates its level of purity, with the purest form of gold being 24 karats. Gold, in its purest form, is very delicate. Its malleable property makes it unsuitable for daily use. Gold is usually combined with other metals, like alloy, to bring it in usable form. Lowest karat gold usually has the least amount of gold, with high amounts of other metals and as the karat level increases, the amount of gold increases. To put it in simple terms, the amount of gold present is directly proportional to its karat value. Therefore, a 14Kt gold ring has a lesser amount of gold than an 18Kt gold ring.
Does this mean that a 14Kt gold ring is less valuable than an 18Kt gold ring? Many factors come into play when answering this question. One must consider certain aspects before drawing a conclusion.
Durability and Every day Wear: 14kt vs 18kt Gold Rings
As stated earlier, the lower the karat value, the higher the existence of metals, which means higher durability. Hence, a 14Kt gold ring is more durable than an 18Kt gold ring. 14Kt gold is relatively cheaper and is the best option for everyday wear due to its durability. A 14Kt gold ring is more resistant to scratches and dents, which adds to its longevity.
An 18Kt gold ring is suitable for special occasions. It is shinier and has a more yellowish hue than a 14Kt gold ring. It allows for more intricate carvings that make it perfect for luxurious use. Now that we have a better understanding of gold rings, let’s now understand the styling aspect according to different lifestyles of people.
Also Read: Flexible Wedding Bands: Rings for Busy Couples
Choosing the Right Gold Ring for Your Style and Lifestyle
Choosing the right gold ring ultimately boils down to two of the most important aspects, that is, lifestyle and budget.
Someone with an active lifestyle, such as sports, frequent travel or manual work, can go for a 14Kt gold ring, as it can withstand pressure, minor knocks and scratches. A person with a less active lifestyle and higher affordability can go for a ring with a higher karat value.
A 14Kt gold ring for women comes in many designs. The most common designs for everyday use are plain gold bands with a smooth and polished finish, textured bands with a satin finish and plain stackable rings. Engraved and twisted rings are suitable for special occasions.
A daily-wear-friendly 14Kt gold ring for men comes in designs such as the classic plain band, which is simply a circular polished ring and the flat profile band, which has straight edges with a flat surface in the outer area, giving a more masculine look as compared to the plain classic band.
Conclusion
To answer the above-stated question, both 14Kt gold rings and 18Kt gold rings are valuable, just in different ways. 14Kt gold rings are comparatively durable and affordable, making them suitable for daily wear, while the 18kt gold rings fall into the expensive bracket, offering a more vibrant color and are suitable for occasional use due to their lesser durability. By considering the factors relating to one’s lifestyle, choosing the right gold ring becomes easier.
