14 and 18 karat gold jewelry offers a good balance between durability and purity. Let's take a look at what these gold alloys are made of and how you should choose between them and higher or lower purity jewelry.
14 and 18 karat gold alloy is made by mixing pure gold with copper, nickel, zinc, etc. Additional metals are added to make the alloy heavier and stronger than pure gold (24K), which is too soft for jewelry.
The difference between 14 and 18 karat gold.
14k and 18k gold are similar only in that they are both alloys. Despite the fact that their main component is gold, they are distinguished by their purity.
Due to different purities, 14 and 18 karat jewelry also differ in price, hardness, color and allergenicity.
To understand how they differ, you must know what the carat number means. Karat is a unit of measurement of gold purity, indicating the amount of gold in an alloy.
If the gold alloy is 1 karat, that means it contains 1/24 pure gold, or approximately 4.17%.
A little about this test
750 standard is popular among jewelers and their clients. This is the most successful combination of the purity of a noble metal and ease of use: 999 standard is too soft to be worn constantly. However, a gold content of 75% is sufficient for the product to retain the inherent luster of pure gold.
Composition and properties
As can be understood from the name of the sample, 25% of the mass of our pendant or chain is made up of ligature (foreign metals). Impurities are added to gold primarily because the pure precious metal is extremely sensitive to damage. The 999.9 fine bank bullion can be scratched with a fingernail. This is unacceptable for jewelry that we wear on our bodies, so a ligature is added to gold to increase its wear resistance.
750 gold is common and contains the following additives in different proportions:
- copper (the main alloying component of most alloys);
- silver (also present almost everywhere);
- palladium (added to white gold);
- platinum (rare);
- nickel (rare).
Strength
The price to pay for the prestige of a high-grade alloy and its characteristic shine is the need to wear it carefully. 18K jewelry is easier to break than low-grade analogues.
Alloy shade chart
To understand what shade the alloy will give to gold, you need to look at the original color of the alloying metal. Often there are several additives. Let's look at the popular options for metal “cocktails”:
| Try | Color | Gold | Silver | Copper | Palladium |
| 18 carat | red | 75 % | 40 % | 21 % | No |
| 18 carat | pink | 75 % | 12,5 % | 12,5 % | No |
| 18 carat | yellow | 75 % | 17 % | 8 % | No |
| 18 carat | greenish | 75 % | 25 % | No | No |
| 18 carat | white | 75 % | 5 % | No | 20 % |
Brand
In addition to the hallmark, each piece of jewelry must have an imprint of the name of the manufacturer. The name plate is registered by a branch of the Assay Chamber under the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and contains encrypted information about the year of manufacture of the jewelry and the factory.
The 18-carat ring produced by the Russian factory will be marked 750.
Markings.
To tell if a piece of gold jewelry is 14 karat, look for markings on it that indicate its purity.
The most commonly used markings are 14K, 14kt or similar variations (you can also see the 14kt mark). Sometimes purity is expressed as a percentage or parts per thousand.
Therefore, if you see a mark containing 583 or a similar number, this indicates 58.3% gold content (sometimes you may see the number 585) and also means that the item is 14K.
Recognizing 18k gold jewelry is also quite easy (as long as the item is marked with a purity mark). Typically you will see stamps such as 18K, 18Kt, 18ct, 18k or similar variations.
Sometimes 18 karat gold may be marked with a number such as 750, 0.75, or a similar mark indicating that the jewelry contains 75% gold (or 750 parts per thousand).
"Promille" is a unit that is sometimes used instead of karats, especially in jewelry made in Europe. The difference is that instead of calculating the purity from 24 parts of the gold alloy, as in the karat designation, it is calculated from 1000 parts.
The general ppm value for eighteen carat jewelry is 750. You will notice that this number is a percentage equivalent to 18K (75%) multiplied by 10.
In general, to convert parts per thousand to carats, you need to divide by 1000 and multiply by 24.
A more interesting case is when you see the letters KP (or also KP) after the sample number, for example, 18KP.
The P stands for plumb and the mark reads eighteen carats plumb. This means that the precious metal content in the product is guaranteed to be at least 18 carats.
The letter P is important because if it is not stamped on the piece of jewelry, its actual karat value may vary slightly from the mark's value - the allowed deviation is 0.5K, so an eighteen-carat piece may actually be 17.5K.
What is carat
The karat system involves designating the percentage of gold in the alloy with numbers from 9 to 24, where 24 is the highest standard, that is, 100%. Physically, the absolute purity of the metal is unattainable and impurities are present in trace amounts, therefore the “thousandth” sample is designated by the number 999 - 99.9%.
I’ll answer the main question right away: in Russia, jewelry with a hallmark of 18K is indicated by the 750 mark. They contain 75% pure gold.
Origin of the word
The breadfruit tree of John, known to people since biblical times, grows in the Mediterranean - Ceratonia capita. Its fruits are consumed as a delicacy, added to immunostimulating complexes, and compote is made from them. But ceratonia also has a non-standard property for plants: it produces seeds, the mass of which is constant and equal to ~0.19 g. Our ancient ancestors noticed this and began to use a measure of weight that refers to the seed of ceratonia (Greek cerátiοn), the carat.
The modern carat (measure of weight) has not changed since then and is 0.2 g.
How to determine carat content
You won’t be able to measure the gold content in jewelry if the sample has worn off and is hard to see at home. The maximum that will be possible is to distinguish a gold alloy from an obvious fake. But if the ring has another standard - metric or spool (it is found on jewelry and luxury items produced before the revolution or immediately after), then you can convert its value into the carat system.
How to convert to the metric system and sample correspondence table
There are two ways to convert carats to thousandths of mass.
- Calculate. A complex, but universal method that works with unpopular samples. We take 24 carats as 100% and get a carat equal to 4.17% of the total mass. If a product is marked 18K, then in the metric system it is 4.17 x 18 = 75%, that is, 750 fine.
- Use the correspondence table. I'm including a spool test in case you come across an antique tiara.
| Metric system | 999 | 958 | 900 | 750 | 585 | 500 | 375 |
| Carat system | 24 | 23 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 12 | 9 |
| Spool system | 96 | 92 | 88 | 72 | 56 | 48 | 36 |
| Gold content | 99,9 % | 95,8 % | 90 % | 75 % | 58,5 % | 50 % | 37,5 % |
Legislative regulation
In Russia, all precious metal products with a purity of at least 300 are subject to hallmarking and hallmarking (actually 375, because we do not produce lower-grade gold). The metric value of the sample is applied to the jewelry; it is up to the buyer to convert it into carats.
Hardness and durability.
Gold is a soft metal, which is the main reason for mixing it with other metals to create jewelry. Generally, the lower the purity of the gold, the heavier the alloy.
Compared to higher karat gold jewelry, 14 karat jewelry contains more non-gold metals as a percentage of its total weight. As a result, these jewelry are harder and more durable.
18, 20 and 22 karat alloys, on the other hand, contain more gold and are therefore purer and softer. This is why such jewelry tends to scratch, wear out, bend and break faster.
For example, a 10 or 14 karat gold ring will wear out more slowly than an 18 karat gold ring, which will scratch and bend more easily. This difference must be taken into account when purchasing a product.
If you are looking for a piece of jewelry that will last, 14K gold is better in this regard.
Also, 14-karat alloy is recommended for use in jewelry for daily wear.
You can extend the life of 18-karat gold jewelry by not wearing it every day.
Distinguish gilding
Gold jewelry from countries such as Italy, Turkey, China, Switzerland often does not meet the Russian standard, that is, they do not always have the required quality. This often happens because they are imported into the Russian Federation outside of customs control, and therefore the assay authorities do not check such jewelry.
According to statistics, more than 72% of imported gold is fake, so you need to be careful and attentive when choosing jewelry. It must be remembered that foreign gold (even if it is genuine) has differences from locally produced gold in composition and color, and is also less durable. The shade is in most cases white or yellow, since the products contain a lower percentage of copper in the alloy. You also need to be wary of the fact that 18-karat white gold is often replaced with cheaper silver.
Allergy to nickel.
Nickel is sometimes used in gold alloys. It is found in high concentrations in low purity alloys. Therefore, people with nickel allergies are more sensitive to 10 or 14 karat jewelry, while 18 or 22 karat nickel-containing jewelry does not cause an allergy.
Nickel-containing 18-, 20-, and 22-karat jewelry has an advantage over 14-karat jewelry made with the same metal: purer alloys contain less of it (as a percentage) and are therefore less likely to cause an allergic reaction if you are susceptible to it.
If you are allergic to nickel, 18K gold products will be preferable to 14K gold. Keep in mind that if you are too sensitive, you may need an even higher carat.
If you are prone to allergies but want to purchase 14K jewelry, look for items that do not contain nickel. Typically, such jewelry is labeled “nickel free.”
The meaning of 18 18 on the clock at work and in the professional sphere
1818 on the clock in angelic numerology, in work it can speak of unexpected opportunities, success or profit. If you want to make the most of opportunities, it is important to take the initiative.
The combination may indicate profit or inheritance. But since 8 speaks of abundance, it is important to use the funds received wisely and not just squander them.
Buying 14K Gold: When Is It a Good Choice?
14 carat jewelry is quite affordable compared to 18 or 22 carat jewelry, which is what makes it so popular among buyers. They are also relatively stronger than cleaner, more expensive products.
If money is no object and you don't intend to wear your gold jewelry every day, you can safely buy jewelry that has high purity.
However, if you are looking for something more affordable and are concerned about durability, consider 14K jewelry.
Choose this type of jewelry if you plan to wear it frequently, especially if it is a ring or bracelet, an item that has a higher risk of damage when worn.
Also, if you have a nickel allergy and the jewelry you buy does not contain nickel, don't go below 14K (if you're really sensitive, you may have to buy an even higher purity).
The meaning of 1818 in creativity
The meaning of 1818 in creativity is not much different from other areas. The numbers also indicate the onset of a successful creative period. It's time to bring projects to life. Good luck and success await you. The Universe is now sending you inspiration, and ideas will pour in like from a cornucopia. It is important during this period not to relax, but to pull yourself together. Composure and hard work will allow you to achieve great heights in the creative field.
For creative people, 18 18 on the clock can also be an angelic warning; perhaps you are so accustomed to abundance that you have become lazy.
750 gold
The most common standard is 585 gold – this is the result of a long search for the best ratio of quality characteristics and cost. Such jewelry is the most popular and is in the budget segment of the market. For the production of luxury products with precious stones, 750 standard is used, which is much more expensive.
Red jewelry is quite rare; the vast majority have a yellow tint, closer to pure metal. A special place is occupied by noble white gold, obtained by adding platinum or palladium; it is almost always used for the production of diamond jewelry.
Price
So, you are holding 18 karat gold in your hands. What kind of test is very clear. All that remains is to figure out the cost. Of course, it depends not only on the carat, but also on the weight, and on the complexity of the work and design. How many grams of gold are in the product - you will understand by the marking. But you shouldn’t rely on this alone when determining the price. The work done in making the jewelry is also taken into account.
For additional comfort, craftsmen can also use special production methods. This allows you to make certain parts of products more flexible and durable. Of course, the better the quality of the decoration, the higher its cost will be. This is justified - after all, you will wear it for a long time, getting great pleasure from it. Well, with proper care, the product will, of course, last for more than one generation. Complex details, special clasps, precious stones - all this, of course, affects the price.
Gold jewelry is most often made using machines. The cost may also increase due to additional hand finishing or engraving. Such operations can be carried out at a variety of prices. Each part may have its own characteristics that make it unique. On average, the price per gram of 18-karat gold today is about 4,500 rubles.
The meaning of the number 1818 in numerology
To better understand the meaning of the combination 18 18 on the clock, let's take a closer look at the interpretation of each digit that makes up the number.
1818 represents a combination of one and eight, each number is repeated twice because of this they are strengthened. To further reveal the meaning of the numerical combination, let’s reduce it to a simple number: 1+8+1+8 =18=1+8 = 9. Accordingly, the vibrations of the nine will play a role in the interpretation.
Digit 1
The number 1 is the symbol of the beginning. The number is responsible for our personal manifestations, for the inner “I”. The unit is ambitions, goals, often responsible for selfishness, but at the same time personifies leadership, independence from anything, and especially from circumstances. Everything new is also under the auspices of the number 1.
This number does not tolerate inaction. It is a reminder of the need to move. Movement is life, to some extent the motto of people with manifested units.
Number 8
The number 8 often signifies abundance. This number is a symbol of material success, practicality, and at the same time justice. 8 is a number symbolizing infinity. This is the number of reliability, as well as a symbol of hidden opportunities. This number personifies the current situation, which was formed due to decisions made in the past.
Number 9
The number 9 is the last of the cardinal numbers and usually signifies the achievement of some important goal. Often nine symbolizes something spiritual, selflessness. This is the number of contemplation, both internal and external.
Number 1818
Angel number 1818 enhances the energies of numbers 1 and 8 in this way, culminating in nine. This combination indicates the need for personal action, and after 8 you are shown material support for the space. You will achieve your spiritual goal if you can direct your actions.
Perhaps now you need to focus on work, or some material goal, such as buying a house. A completed material project will bring peace of mind and increase self-esteem. Next, you will find the strength in your soul to accomplish something greater.
Meaning of 18 18 in Tarot cards
The 18 lasso or the Moon card is responsible for 18 18 on the clock. This card symbolizes imagination and intuition, but can indicate fears and inner turmoil. The 18th lasso is a symbol of dreams and dreams, but it has a downside - uncertainty and increased emotionality.
- In a positive interpretation, the card can indicate pleasant moments and a strong emotional connection. Represents home and family.
- In a negative interpretation, the card indicates deception, doubt and anxiety. Sometimes "Moon" speaks of deception in romantic relationships.
- In synthesis, the card can indicate passivity, at the same time it can speak of a craving for romance and the need to find a home.
