14k vs 18k

[In the rough]

14k vs 18k white gold. Which one is better, and why? It is for an engagement ring setting...this one to be exact:

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/3Stone/Baguette-Diamond-Ring_969.htm

 

[iheartscience]

Experts can feel free to correct me if I''m wrong, but the higher the number, the more pure the gold is. So 18k gold has more gold in it than 14k gold. I also think 18k would be softer than 14k.

I went with 14k just because another ring I own and wear pretty much daily is 14k so I wanted them to match. There wasn''t a big price difference for me either. I just wanted them to be the same for some reason!

 

[chrono]

18kt yellow gold is purer and yellower. It looks more special and stands out among 14kt yellow gold.

If you mean 18kt white gold, the look is the same as 14kt WG because they both are rhodium plated to look white. However, 18kt WG supposedly retains its whiteness a bit longer, so I heard.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Most 14k white alloys are whiter after the rhodium wears off than most 18k white golds.
So I would go for 14 as a rule, but the beez kneez is platinum which costs a fair bit more

 

[joker382]

What''s the difference between those two and platinum? I know Pl. is the most expensive, but what makes it that way? Anyone know?

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 7/12/2007 10:58:33 PM
Author: joker382
What''s the difference between those two and platinum? I know Pl. is the most expensive, but what makes it that way? Anyone know?

If you''re interested, here is an overview on some of the common alloys.

http://journal.pricescope.com/Articles/47/1/An-Overview-Of-Common-Alloys-Used-In-Jewelry.aspx

If I can find time I''d like to add info on pd and 14K gold.