What’s the difference between 14k and 18k gold? How exactly does rose gold get its pretty-pink hue? Turns out, there’s a lot to know about the time-worn precious metal. Whether you’re deciding between yellow or rose gold rings or don’t know the difference between karats, this guide will help you navigate all your questions and then some.
What’s Up with Karats?
Karats are the measure of gold’s purity. Pure gold is too soft to use for jewelry, so the precious metal is alloyed with other metals( like copper, silver, nickel, or zinc) to make it more durable. The higher the karat, the more pure the jewelry.
Two of the most popular golds are 14k and 18k. With 14 parts gold and 10 parts non-gold metals, 14k gold is the most popular for engagement rings. It offers reasonable price points without having to sacrifice purity, plus the jewelry will be plenty strong for everyday wear.
18k gold has 18 parts gold, making it durable enough to still last a lifetime, while also having the added benefit of less allergic reactions with such a low amount of non-gold metals (nickel can sometimes cause allergic reactions).
Picking a Shade
When selecting a shade of gold, you’ll want to consider the personal style and lifestyle of the wearer. You’ll also want to think about the stone you intend to buy. Colored stones like sapphires or emeralds tend to look best in yellow gold. If you’re shopping for wedding bands, consider the same shade or complementary shades for you and your partner.
As you might expect, yellow gold is classic with a capital C. If you tend toward tradition and like the idea of timeless appeal, yellow gold is for you. It also looks especially flattering on warmer skin tones. Luxury bridal jewelry designer TACORI has exquisite collections of both engagement rings and wedding bands.
White Gold
For a more modern look, white gold is a super popular choice. Modern and chic, white gold is a mixture of gold, silver, nickel, and palladium that typically gets dipped in rhodium to solidify its final, sleek color. New York–based jewelry designer Fana has decadent 14k white gold engagement rings featuring bold halos and delicate accent stones. White gold is also an excellent option for couples who like the look of platinum but want something at a lower price point.
Rose Gold
Rose gold’s playful pink hue is still uber popular on runways and a super fun option for those who tend toward quirkier, less traditional styles. A combination of yellow gold and copper (and sometimes silver), rose gold adds a subtle softness and romance while also breaking from tradition. Noam Carver’s penchant for vintage-inspired designs—with beautiful milgrain and filigree details—pair exceptionally well with rose gold’s romantic tone .
Learn More about Gold Bridal Jewelry at Rumanoff’s Fine Jewelry
Come try on white, yellow, or rose gold at our Hamden, CT jewelry store. Our team of dedicated professionals is ready to help answer any questions you have on the above. We offer an extensive collection of luxury jewelry designers and look forward to helping you with your jewelry needs. Give us a call at 203-230-1199 to set up at an appointment today.
