10-karat and 14-karat gold are the two most widely used metals in jewelry. Today, we will be helping you understand the difference between the two.
It’s good first to understand that the two are gold alloys made by mixing other metals to the soft gold to increase durability. The amount of gold in the alloy is measured in karats: 24-karat being pure gold.
What Is 10K Gold?
10-karat gold consists of 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals such as copper, silver, and nickel. 10-karat jewelry is usually stamped with the marking 10K, 10KT, or 0.417.
14-karat gold consists of 14 parts of gold and ten parts of other metals. Jewelry of this alloy is marked as 14K, 14KT, or 0.583.
A key difference between the two types of gold is that 10K jewelry is usually cheaper than 14K items because of the lower gold proportion that it contains.
In appearance, 14K gold understandably has a somewhat yellower color and is more similar in appearance to pure gold. This is not noticeable to the common eye, though; 14k gold does however tarnish quicker.
Lower gold content doesn’t mean lower quality. This gold standard has its benefits. The major one being it is more durable, tarnishes slower, and gets scratched less frequently.
10K gold contains more nickel than 14K gold, which is why it is less suitable for people allergic to the metal as it may cause skin irritation and other symptoms.
10K and 14K gold have their own merits, and none of them can be said to be superior to the other in all aspects. If you’re looking for a piece of jewelry, 10K is better due to its higher durability and lower cost. As for appearance, it is up to you to judge whether any of them looks better. If you’re looking for diamond jewelry, 14K may be the lowest karat of gold available, leaving you no choice in that domain.
It’s good first to understand that the two are gold alloys made by mixing other metals to the soft gold to increase durability. The amount of gold in the alloy is measured in karats: 24-karat being pure gold.
What Is 10K Gold?
10-karat gold consists of 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals such as copper, silver, and nickel. 10-karat jewelry is usually stamped with the marking 10K, 10KT, or 0.417.
What Is 14K Gold?
14-karat gold consists of 14 parts of gold and ten parts of other metals. Jewelry of this alloy is marked as 14K, 14KT, or 0.583.
10K Gold Is Cheaper Than 14K Gold
A key difference between the two types of gold is that 10K jewelry is usually cheaper than 14K items because of the lower gold proportion that it contains.
14K Gold Has a Better Color
In appearance, 14K gold understandably has a somewhat yellower color and is more similar in appearance to pure gold. This is not noticeable to the common eye, though; 14k gold does however tarnish quicker.
10K Gold Is Harder
Lower gold content doesn’t mean lower quality. This gold standard has its benefits. The major one being it is more durable, tarnishes slower, and gets scratched less frequently.
10K Gold: Not for People Allergic to Nickel
10K gold contains more nickel than 14K gold, which is why it is less suitable for people allergic to the metal as it may cause skin irritation and other symptoms.
Things to keep in mind when selecting 10K and 14K Gold
10K and 14K gold have their own merits, and none of them can be said to be superior to the other in all aspects. If you’re looking for a piece of jewelry, 10K is better due to its higher durability and lower cost. As for appearance, it is up to you to judge whether any of them looks better. If you’re looking for diamond jewelry, 14K may be the lowest karat of gold available, leaving you no choice in that domain.