Choosing Your Gold

Generally there are two main factors that can be considered when making the choice between a 14K gold and 18K gold ring. Decide on the amount you want to spend. 14K gold is cheaper than 18K gold. This sounds very obvious, but it is easy to get carried away when selecting jewellery. With so many gemstones, diamond and gold options you may soon find yourself tempted beyond your budget, for the same price 14K gold would give you better weight as compared to 18K gold. As 14K gold is less expensive the ring can contain more metal for the same price. This would help your gold stay in better shape in the long term.

If the ring is to be worn very often you will want it to be strong and sturdy. 14K gold is harder than 18K gold and the cheaper price would also ensure that you get more metal weight for your 14K gold ring... These two factors would keep your ring in good shape for a longer time, as compared to the softer 18K Gold. On the other hand if the ring is rarely worn, 18K gold could be selected.

Nothing to do with sex discrimination here, but men do more rugged jobs while wearing their rings than ladies. Even playing a game of golf could have an effect on the gold ring you wear. Men have been known to work on their car wearing an expensive diamond ring! This indicates two necessities of men’s gold rings, the rings worn by men should be heavy, to stay in shape, and also hard. 14K gold is ideal and in fact if your gents ring is for daily wear you might even want to just stick to sterling silver. Ladies generally care more about their jewelry and this extra attention helps their rings stay in shape so 18K gold could be the best choice here.

Gold rings and other jewelry that have a large number of gemstones and diamonds generally use prong settings for the gems. With many gemstones you will need the prongs to be hard and strong so that they can hold the gems firmly in place. A gold ring with soft gold like 18K gold could gradually cause the prongs to loosen each time it brushes against your clothes or other objects. What happens is that since the gold is softer than 14K gold it actually 'rubs off' and gradually grows thinner and therefore weaker. The prongs then open at the smallest excuse and out fall your favorite gems and diamonds. Also since 18K gold is more expensive as compared to 14K gold, the metal content in 18K gold is generally quite little adding to the ring becoming weak. So if your jewelry has many gemstones and diamonds set in it, consider choosing 14K gold as the strength will ensure that the gems remain firmly set.