Difference between 14-karat and 18-karat gold rope chain?

It gets tough to decide between a 14-karat gold rope chain and an 18-karat gold rope chain when you do not know anything about gold chains. Let's help you decide what to buy by telling you precisely what these chains are made of and what sets them apart.

What Is the Meaning of Gold Karat?

For starters, you need to know what gold karat is. It is a measure of gold purity in the jewelry. For example, if an alloy has one karat of gold content = 1/24th of the alloy is pure gold.

The maths to determine what fraction of a gold chain is pure gold is simple:

Divide the karat by 24 and then multiple it by a hundred.

A 14-karat gold rope chain contains 58.3% gold using this formula (14 karats divided by 24 times 100).

What Is the Composition of 14 Karat Gold Rope Chains?

As the name describes, 14-karat gold rope chains contain 14 parts gold and 10 parts other non-gold metals. So, 58.3% of the necklace is pure gold, while the rest is usually other metals like copper, silver, nickel, zinc, palladium, and more.

What Is the Composition of 18 Karat Gold Rope Chains?

As the name describes, 18-karat gold rope chains contain 18 parts gold and 6 parts other non-gold metals. So, 75% of the necklace is pure gold, while the rest is usually other metals like copper, silver, nickel, zinc, palladium, and more (the same as those in 14-karat gold rope chain).

14 Karat Gold Rope Chains VS 18 Karat Gold Rope Chains: Differences

The 14k and 18k gold chains differ mainly in terms of four factors (durability, the price per gram, nickel content and allergies, and color). As you read on, you will be provided with a complete description of the two gold rope chains in terms of these factors.

• Durability

The metal gold is soft. This softness is why gold is usually paired with gold alloys to harden the jewelry piece and ensure its longevity. Chains containing a higher percentage of gold alloys tend to be harder than those containing a lower portion of gold alloys.

So, 14-karat gold rope chains are harder than 18-karat gold rope chains because they contain more non-gold metals, comparatively. This quality makes the 14-karat gold rope chains a better choice, as they do not bend easily, wear out slowly, and keep up with everyday usage.

• Price per Gram

As established in the first point, 14-karat gold rope chains contain less gold content. This composition makes the price tag on the 14k chains cheaper as compared to 18k chains. Please note that the price here refers to the price per gram or ounce, not the final cost. So, in comparison, 18-karat gold chains are more expensive. You can likely buy a bigger 14-karat gold rope chain in the price of one small 18k chain.

• Nickel Content and Allergies

14-karat gold rope chains contain a higher amount of other metals like nickel, comparatively. So, 14k chains are more likely to irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction. On the other hand, 18k chains are less likely to cause a rash.

However, note that the quantity might differ, but both the chains have nickel. Many people are sensitive to this metal, so both the chains can cause a rash. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for 20k+ gold chains.

• Color

The percentage of gold in a gold chain defines the color of the necklace. You may be unable to detect any visible color difference between 14k and 18k gold chains. However, if you look close enough, you will see that 18k gold chains tend to be yellower and more gold-like than 14-karat gold rope chains. That difference is because 14-karat gold rope chains contain less gold than 18k, which gives them a less intense gold color.

One advice: You should ponder all factors when stuck on a buying decision with a 14-karat gold rope chain at one end and an 18-karat gold rope chain at the other. The importance and relevance of each attribute may vary from person to person.

Where to Buy a Gold Chain?

If your heart is set on finding the most beautiful and unique gold rope chain, we recommend checking out Gold Americas' stunning gold rope chain collection. Weight out each aspect and purchase a gorgeous item from their necklace collection - you will not be disappointed.