What's the difference between 14-karat or 18-karat gold and gold-colored items?

14 vs. 18-karat gold

Gold Content

• 14-karat gold contains 58.5% gold and 41.5% alloy metals.

  18-karat gold contains 75% gold and 25% alloy metals.

Sustainability and value

Both 14-karat and 18-karat gold are durable and, with proper care, will last a lifetime.

• 18-karat gold has a higher gold content, which makes it more valuable.

• 14K gold is slightly stronger because it contains more alloy metals, making it slightly harder.

Gold colors

Yellow, white, and rosé

The difference between yellow, rose, and white gold lies in the metals that are mixed with pure gold, as you can see in the images on the right.

• Yellow gold: A classic, warm, and rich color created by alloying pure gold with copper and silver.

• Rose Gold: A pink hue created by adding more copper than silver to achieve a vintage look.

• White gold: Silvery in color, made by alloying gold with palladium and often rhodium-plated afterward for an extra white luster.

Colors & Karats

Differences Between 14- and 18-Karat Yellow, Rose, and White Gold

The differences between 14K and 18K in each gold color are primarily related to the gold content. Because more other metals are added to 14K gold, it takes on a slightly different color than the 18-karat variety.