14k or 18k harder??

[rrruuunnn]

i have been told that 14 karat is more durable than 18 karat gold. but the following site says differently:

http://www.24carat.co.uk/hardnessofgoldalloysframe.html

does anyone know??

 

[denverappraiser]

The comments in your link are correct. The hardness of the final product is a more complicated question than the simple karatage of the metal. Properly worked, some alloys of 18k can be quite durable. For commercially cast type pieces, 14k yellow gold is usually more durable than 18k yellow gold. 18k white is usually more durable than 14k white.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[rrruuunnn]

thanks, for the info. the dealer said her 14k was more durable. i guess its the annealing process.

 

[movie zombie]

may be more durable but its also less gold.......much the same way that 10K gold is more durable than 14K gold. much depends on the piece, how it is worn, and what conditions its exposed to. my e-ring is 22K gold but i don''t wear it 24/7. my wedding band is 18K gold and i do wear it 24/7 even when gardening. its 2mm wide and will eventually wear but that''s a long time down the road.

movie zombie