The letter K stands for karats, which are the unit of measurement for the purity of gold. We learn how much gold is in a metal alloy by looking at its karat weight. With no additional alloys, 24K gold is entirely pure. However, are there differences between 10K and 14K white gold, and if so, what are they?
A well-known difference between 10K and 14K white gold is that one has 41.7% pure gold while the other has 58.3% pure gold. There isn’t a noticeable difference in their appearance as they are rhodium-plated. Value-wise, 14K is more valuable as it has more gold and will typically not cause allergies.
White gold is a well-known alloy consisting of at least a single white metal, such as nickel, manganese, or palladium, and typically includes gold. Rhodium plating is sometimes used to further enhance the whiteness of white gold.
10K Vs. 14K White Gold
Suppose you’re looking to purchase new jewelry. In that case, you must be aware of the differences between the two, as the amount of gold in jewelry will significantly impact not only the cost but the feel, value, and durability. Here are the differences between 10K and 14K white gold.
How Much Gold Does 10K And 14K White Gold Have?
Different karats of gold each have different percentages of gold included in them. To give you an idea:
- 100% is for pure 24 karat gold
- 91.7% of 22 karat gold
- 75.0% of 18 karat gold
- 14 karat gold is 58.3% pure
- 50.0% of 12 karat gold
- 10 karat is 41.7% gold.
When something is made of 14K white gold, it indicates that if you divided it hypothetically into 24 pieces of base metal, only 14 of those pieces would be made of gold. The remaining 10 would be made of another metal. For 10K white gold, it would be only 10 parts made of gold, and the other 14 are made up of other metals.
Which Is Popular In Jewelry between 10K And 14K White Gold?
When it comes to jewelry, it comes as no surprise that 14K is one of the most popular options for white gold jewelry as it combines the pros of alloy metals and pure gold together. Although 10k is usually used in a wide range of jewelry pieces, it is not used in high-end pieces.
Because 14K gold is ideal for everything ranging from bracelets and necklaces to chains and earrings, it’s not surprising that it makes up a significant portion of the gold jewelry we find in shops. Regarding value, 14K is superior to 10K due to the higher percentage of pure gold, 58.5% vs. 41.7%.
Is 10k White Gold More Durable Than 14k White Gold?
Relative to the other metals it contains, gold is a comparatively soft metal. The more gold is combined in, the greater the karat. As a result, gold is softer and less durable the greater the karat. The most popular gold jewelry alloys are 10K, 14K, and 18K. However, they actually contain less gold.
The number 417 parts per thousand may be etched on 10K white gold. According to this, the items include 41.7% gold; the rest are made up of other metals or alloys like silver or nickel. While doing so reduces the item’s price, the jewelry is strengthened or made harder.
10K might be a better option if you’re looking for a bracelet or ring if you mainly work with your hands. 14K white gold is much stronger and scratch-resistant compared to 10k white gold. However, it can also still be damaged if you’re not careful.
Because 10K has the highest alloy content, it is much tougher to scratch or even warp more than 14K white gold. Generally speaking, 14K white gold is roughly 20 to 25 percent softer than 10K. This means that if you have an active lifestyle, you would be better off with 10K.
Are There Any Appearances Differences Between 10K And 14K?
With yellow gold, the main indicator is the difference in tone between 18K and 14K gold, which is substantially deeper in tone. Anyone can distinguish between two rings if you put both side by side. Because white gold is frequently rhodium-plated to lend it the bright white appearance that seemingly everyone adores, there is no difference in appearance.
However, 14K white gold tends to retain its shiny white appearance. Even a professional would have trouble identifying the difference between the 10K and 14K gold simply by its outward appearance.
Which Is More Costly Between 10K And 14K?
10K white gold triumphs over 14K white gold when it comes to cost as it is the cheapest form of gold that is still commonly used in jewelry. Similarly to the 10K mentioned above, 14K gold, which has a gold content of 58.5%, is an alloy that may be etched with 585.
The final product will become more valuable and pricey the more gold is used to make it. A 14K ring will cost more than a 10K ring, most other factors being equal.
Is 10K Or 14K More Likely To Irritate The Skin?
Although yellow gold can include nickel, it is usually alloyed with silver or copper. Silver can cause allergic reactions in some people, and there have even been cases of people who have pure gold allergies. Therefore, it makes sense that white gold also has properties that can cause skin irritation.
A gold alloy’s karat stamp only indicates how much gold is included in the alloy; it says nothing about the other materials that have been added. Nickel is likely the offending ingredient in 10K white gold because so many people have nickel allergies. It is quite likely that many won’t have an allergic reaction to 14K white gold jewelry.
It is possible to be allergic to 10K more than to 14K as it comprises more of other metals than 14K. Zinc and manganese are additional components frequently found in 10K white gold alloys but are absent from 14K white gold alloys. Manganese allergies are much more common than zinc allergies.
Conclusion
Since both 10K and 14K are rhodium-plated, there is little difference in appearance. The cost element should then have an impact on your purchasing decision. Furthermore, the value placed on it and whether or not you are allergic will determine which white gold is best suited for you.
