And when does it matter? I know 18K contains more gold but the 14 is stronger. Which is more suitable for everyday earrings? TIA!
White Gold: What's the diff btwn 14 and 18K?
- Thread starter hermes_lemming
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For earrings I would probably do 18k. Earrings generally don't get much wear-and-tear, so I the hardness wouldn't be much of a concern. Also the 18k will contain less nickel which sometimes causes allergies- Although some companies are now alloying their white gold with palladium instead of the nickel.
Also, if it is a small earring, you could consider platinum. At todays low price it isn't far from white gold if we are talking a small stud earring. I did my diamond studs with pave' halo's in platinum for that reason.
Also, if it is a small earring, you could consider platinum. At todays low price it isn't far from white gold if we are talking a small stud earring. I did my diamond studs with pave' halo's in platinum for that reason.
14K Gold is 58.3% gold and the remaining 41.7% is another metal (or metals alloyed with the gold to give it strength and change it's color to a "whiter" appearance.
18K is 75% gold and the remaining 25% is another metal/metals that is alloyed with it.
Both 14K and 18K white gold (and even platinum at times) are usually plated with rhodium or palladium to give it a bright, white look. This plating wiill eventually wear down and the piece can start to look yellow depending on which alloy was used and how it was refined. You can have your pieces dipped again from time to time as needed.
18K is 75% gold and the remaining 25% is another metal/metals that is alloyed with it.
Both 14K and 18K white gold (and even platinum at times) are usually plated with rhodium or palladium to give it a bright, white look. This plating wiill eventually wear down and the piece can start to look yellow depending on which alloy was used and how it was refined. You can have your pieces dipped again from time to time as needed.
I'd just go 14K, that's the standard and it is stronger. Yes, earrings don't get a lot of wear and tear but the posts may be more likely to bend with 18K. They look the same, and 14K will be cheaper. You can buy nickel-free earrings of any material if that's a concern, there are nickel-free sterling and surgical steel earrings as well.