Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
At Holden, we offer three solid gold options: 10k, 14k, and 18k. All are excellent choices for wedding bands and designed to last a lifetime—but what’s the difference between 10k and 14k gold, or the difference between 14k and 18k gold? Let’s break it down.
Karat
Karat (K) is a measure of the purity of gold. The number before karat, or k, refers to how many parts out of 24 total parts are pure gold (e.g. 24k gold means 24 out of 24 parts are gold, so 24k is 100% pure gold).
Solid Gold vs Pure Gold
Not to be confused with “pure gold,” the term solid gold in the US legally refers to any gold that is 10k purity or above. Pure gold, or 24k gold, is rarely used in crafting fine jewelry due to how soft and weak gold is in its purest form. That’s why each of our solid gold options is a mix between pure gold and various alloy metals that add strength and durability (as well as color to achieve white and rose gold since pure gold is naturally yellow!).
10k, 14k, and 18k Breakdown
- 10k gold - 10 parts gold to 14 parts alloy metals, 41.6% gold
- 14k gold - 14 parts gold to 10 parts alloy metals, 58.3% gold
- 18k gold - 18 parts gold to 6 parts alloy metals, 75% gold
If you’re deciding between 10k vs 14k gold, know that 10k is more durable and budget-friendly, while 14k offers a richer gold look with slightly higher purity. On the other hand, when comparing 14k vs 18k gold, 18k provides a deeper yellow tone and more prestige, though it's softer and better suited for occasional wear.
The most noticeable difference between each karat option is the gold color. Because pure gold is naturally yellow in color, the higher the karat, the more yellow the metal will appear.
Yellow Gold
This means 18k will have the richest yellow color, while 10k and 14k yellow gold will look slightly lighter or whiter in color.
White Gold
There actually isn’t a color difference upon first glance. This is because our white gold is rhodium plated, per the industry standard, in order to achieve a brilliant white color. Many customers enjoy how white gold wears into its natural, slightly yellow color over time. Others will decide to re-plate their rings every few years (we offer this service as well!). If you're comparing 10k vs 14k gold, keep in mind that both can be rhodium plated, but 14k offers a higher gold content and richer color beneath the plating.
Rose Gold
You’ll notice 10k is the most pink, while 18k has a slightly warmer, more subtle pink gold hue. To learn more about the different metals we offer (rose gold vs gold, the pros and cons or our white metal options), check out our blog post on the best metal for your wedding band.
Summary: 10k vs 14k vs 18k Gold
When shopping for gold jewelry—especially wedding bands—understanding the difference between 10k, 14k, and 18k gold can help you make a confident choice.
- 10k gold is the most durable and budget-friendly, made of 41.6% gold.
- 14k gold offers a perfect balance of strength, beauty, and affordability with 58.3% gold content—making it the most popular choice.
- 18k gold is the most luxurious at 75% gold content, with a richer yellow hue but slightly softer in durability.
While all gold rings will scratch and scuff over time due to the soft nature of precious metals, you’ll find that the gold content in 10k and 14k is slightly harder than in 18k; however, 18k is a denser, and therefore, heavier metal and will feel a bit more substantial on your finger. The difference between 14k and 18k gold comes down to durability versus richness—14k is more resistant to wear, while 18k offers a deeper color and heavier feel. If you plan to remove your wedding ring before any manual labor or exercise (which we strongly recommend!!!), you’ll be just fine with any of our three options.
At the end of the day, the gold purity of your ring comes down to your individual preference. As a guide, 14k is the most popular type of gold used to make jewelry in the US and is our bestseller as well.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. What’s the main difference between 10k and 14k gold?
10k gold has 41.6% pure gold and is more affordable and durable, while 14k gold has 58.3% gold and a warmer yellow tone, making it a more balanced choice for daily wear.
2. How does 14k gold compare to 18k gold?
14k gold is more durable and affordable, while 18k gold is more luxurious and has a deeper yellow color due to its 75% gold content. However, 18k is also softer and may scratch more easily.
3. Is 10k gold real gold?
3. Is 10k gold real gold? Yes. 10k gold is legally considered solid gold in the U.S. and contains 41.6% pure gold.
4. Which karat is best for wedding bands?
All three—10k, 14k, and 18k—can be great options. 14k is often the most recommended for its balance of beauty and wearability.
5. Does higher karat mean better quality?
Higher karat means more pure gold, but not necessarily "better." While 18k is purer, it’s softer. 10k and 14k are more durable for daily wear.
6. Will the color look different between karats?
Yes. The higher the karat, the more yellow the metal appears. 10k has a paler yellow, while 18k has a rich, warm gold tone.
About Holden
Holden designs engagement rings and wedding rings that speak to modern values and real relationships. Founded by LGBTQ+ and AAPI creators, we believe every love story deserves jewelry that feels intentional. From the sculptural appeal of Signet Rings to the romantic flair of our Multi-Stone styles, every piece is made to mean something.