14k and 18k are both great options when you’re looking to buy great quality gold jewellery - each has its own balance of colour, durability, and value that may not be apparent to you while you shop, but nonetheless, always a good idea to know what makes them different from each other:
14k vs 18k Gold: What’s the difference
The difference in Gold Percentage
The “k” in gold stands for karats, which basically tells you the purity of gold.
14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.75% alloy metals. 18k gold is made up of 75% pure gold and 25% alloy.
Which is more durable? 14k vs 18k Gold Jewellery?
Are you wondering — “If 18k is purer, then why should I buy 14k gold jewellery? Is 14k gold jewellery even durable?” Well, you will be surprised to know that 14k gold is, in fact, more durable than 18k due to the higher alloy content 14k gold has.
Why does this higher alloy content matter? These extra metals make your gold jewellery more scratch-resistant and a great option for everyday wear.
So what about 18k gold jewellery then? 18k is still highly durable - in fact you may not be able to tell the difference, but 18k gold is just a little softer in comparison. Its high gold content gives your gold jewellery a richer, warmer hue, making it a perfect option for tying your luxurious look together.
What about Divé jewellery?
All of our pieces are coated with real gold (both 14k and 18k) over a base and crafted to be wear-resistant and waterproof. When you buy Divé jewellery, you’re essentially buying solid gold jewellery that comes with a luxurious finish and with strength that can handle everyday life.
The Colour & Appearance of 14k Gold & 18k Gold: In a nutshell
18k gold has a deeper, more buttery yellow hue, thanks to its higher gold content.
14k gold appears slightly lighter or cooler in tone—still elegant, but a bit more understated.
What about pricing differences between 14k Gold and 18k Gold Jewellery?
You may have guessed this already, but higher gold content = higher price! Naturally, 18k gold jewellery is more expensive than 14k gold jewellery. Many people balance luxury with practicality, and opt for 14k gold jewellery as it directly translates to higher durability at a lower price point.
With Divé, you never have to choose. Our waterproof gold jewellery pieces deliver the luxe look and feel of solid gold, without the hefty price tag.
Check out the Divé collection here
So, which one should you choose?
What if we told you that you don’t have to choose between everyday durability and luxury? This is exactly why we exist.
Traditionally, 14k gold has been the go-to for everyday wear, it is comparatively stronger, more resistant to scratches, and perfect for gold jewellery that you never take off.
On the other hand, 18k gold has long been favoured for special occasions—because it looks richer, gives a warm glow, has higher gold content, and just feels extra-indulgent.
But why should you have to pick just one?
At Divé, we believe luxury should fit into your everyday life, and not just sit in a drawer waiting for the right moment to be brought out. This is why we offer both 14k and 18k gold jewellery—jewellery that delivers:
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The strength and wearability of 14k gold jewellery
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The rich look and luxe feel of 18k gold jewellery
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And the accessibility to enjoy it all, every day!
Our gold pieces are crafted to give you the best of both worlds: luxury that lasts, without the hefty price tag. Doesn’t matter if you’re dressing up or going for a casual look, our gold jewellery is designed to move with you through every phase of your life.
So you no longer have to ask: “Should I choose 14k gold or 18k gold?”; the better question might be: “Which one do I feel like wearing today?”
FAQs
Is 14k gold durable?
Yes! It’s one of the most durable types of gold for everyday wear, making it ideal for rings, necklaces, and bracelets that you wear constantly.
Is 18k gold durable?
Yes, but slightly softer than 14k. It’s still strong enough for everyday wear, especially when gold-coated like our Divé pieces.
Are hollow gold chains durable?
Hollow chains are lighter, but they can be more prone to denting or bending under pressure. At Divé, we prioritise solid craftsmanship and design for durability.
Is gold-plated jewellery durable?
In most cases? No. Gold-plated jewellery is often low-quality, as this process uses a thin layer of gold over cheap base metals like brass or copper. It might look great on day one, but it fades, tarnishes, and scratches very easily, making it a short-lived choice.
That’s why at Divé, we do things differently.
Our pieces are crafted using real 14k or 18k gold coating over a solid, high-quality base and finished with advanced PVD technology, making them waterproof, wear-resistant, and made to last. You get all the glow of real gold, without the fragility of traditional plating.
Want the full breakdown? Dive deeper into the difference between gold plating and PVD coating!