Matching 18k and 14k white gold?

[mercoledi]

I searched and didn''t find a thread for this, so hopefully someone will know this one.

I''m considering getting a sapphire eternity band to wear with my wedding band. My wedding band is 14k, and the rhodium is long gone while the sapphire band is an 18k estate piece in another state, so I can''t visit it first.

I know I don''t like the look of sterling with my wedding band; is there a significant/noticeable difference in the colors of 14k and 18k wg? I know there is for YG, but I''m not sure how that works for white gold.

Thanks!

 

[Ellen]

I can''t answer your question, but I''m giving you a bump so hopefully an expert can.

 

[mercoledi]

Thanks Ellen!

The more I think about it, the more likely it is I''ll probably pass on this ring; and much as I''d like to have a vintage piece, I also want exactly what I want.

Patience is a virtue, and easier on my bank account.



( but if anyone finds a sapphire eternity, 3mm wide, 2mm profile with bags/french cut/asscher/any square stones, let me know! )

 

[Ellen]

Ok. I agree, get what you really want.

 

[astraea]

mercoledi, maybe you could help--I'm considering a 14k band for my new E-ring. My original E-ring was 18k and it has chips in it (then again, I lead a pretty active lifestyle so maybe I need to take it off more!). I was thinking of going for 14k because I read that it was sturdier...then I read just the opposite. I can't seem to find an answer, but for now 14k seems attractive if it is durable.
sorry I'm asking questions instead of giving you an answer! I hope somebody can respond to this as well because I would not be surprised if I ended up with an 18k wedding band...

 

[mercoledi]

astraea, I''m not certain that 14k is sturdier than 18k, but it would make sense since the other metals that gold is alloyed with to make white gold are less malleable than gold ( I think ).

My 14k band is only a few years old, but I pretty much never take it off. It has a few dents, but nothing that I would call a chip. Most of the dents are actually from my e-ring; I wear them on separate hands and I know that the stone in my e-ring has dinged up my wedding band, usually by clapping. I could get the dings polished off, but I haven''t gotten to it.

That''s all the info I have, I hope that helps!

 

[Inanna]

Mercoledi,

While I can''t tell you exactly how the color differs between 14k and 18k white gold, 18k gold is slightly softer than 14k. Here are some websites that do a decent job of describing that softness:

http://wedding-band-ring.com/14kvs18k.html
http://engagementrings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Gold_Engagement_Rings

If you''re currently having trouble with dings on 14k gold, my inclination would be to stay away from 18k. Also, it may be a good idea to get your 14k gold re-dipped in rhodium. While it may not may all of the dings and scratches disappear, it should help with the overall appearance of your ring.

Good luck, whatever you decide!