14k Gold vs. 18k Gold: Which is Right For Me?

yellow gold oval solitaire

Gold remains one the most popular choices for engagement ring settings, and an excellent choice for a look that’s both timeless and affordable. You may be wondering “should I choose 14k or 18k gold for my engagement ring”?

Pure gold is too soft for everyday wear and would not stand the test of time as an engagement ring setting. The gold in your engagement ring setting is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc to make your jewelry more durable. The karatage refers to the percentage of pure gold in the alloy: 18k gold contains 75% gold, 14k gold contains 58.3% gold.

Because 14k gold contains a higher percentage of alloyed metals it provides more durability and resistance to wear and tear. 14k gold can be an excellent choice for those with more active lifestyles.

18k yellow gold has a brighter and more vivid appearance. 18k rose gold has a more brassy appearance as opposed to 14k rose gold which is more pink.

yellow gold solitaire engagement ring with wedding band

Examples of 14k Yellow Gold Engagement Rings


Examples of 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Rings


Examples of 14k Rose Gold Engagement Rings


Examples of 18k Rose Gold Engagement Rings


 
4ct oval in platinum solitaire
 

Considering a white gold lab diamond engagement ring? We strongly recommend platinum instead.


Shop Engagement Rings

Every lab diamond we sell is hand-selected by experts for extraordinary brilliance. Design your bespoke ring today.

Lab Diamond Pricing

See how lab diamonds are priced relative to mined diamonds, and learn more about our custom design process.

Diamond Concierge Process

Work one-on-one with a lab diamond expert to bring your vision to life.

StyleAda Diamonds