# 14 karat or 18 karat gold: differences and which to choose

> Differences between 14 and 18 karat gold: purity (58.5% and 75%), color, hardness, price and which suits rings, wedding bands and daily wear.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/14k-vs-18k-gold/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-11
- Updated: 2026-07-23
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/oro-14-quilates-o-18-quilates/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Karats state how much pure gold is in an alloy. The difference between 14 and 18 affects color, durability and price.

## Purity

18 karat gold is 75% gold (stamp 750). 14 karat is 58.5% (stamp 585). The rest is other metals, such as copper, silver or palladium.

## Color

18K has a richer, more intense tone. 14K is slightly paler in yellow gold, although in white and rose gold the difference is smaller.

## Hardness

14K is harder and resists scratches and knocks better, so it is usually better for everyday rings. 18K is softer.

## Price

18K costs more because it contains more gold.

## Sensitive skin

18K has less alloy metal, so it is a good option if you are allergic to metals.

## Which to choose

For durability in an everyday piece, 14K. For color and higher purity, and if you will look after the piece, 18K.

## See also

- [Jewelry hallmarks and stamps: what 925, 750 or 585 mean](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/)
- [Gold plated, gold filled, vermeil and solid gold: differences](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold-plated-filled-vermeil-and-solid/)
- [Gold](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold/)