The 14K Gold Wedding Band

The 14K gold wedding band is one of the most popular types of gold wedding rings, on par with the 18K gold wedding band. Wedding bands made with 14K gold can withstand daily wear, but they need to be made with quality metal alloys and workmanship to last. Cheap 14K gold wedding bands made with low cost alloys and poor workmanship will not hold up to the test of time.

To find out more about this type of wedding band, including how 14K gold bands compare to 18K gold bands, considerations for white gold rings, care and shopping tips – check out the helpful info below.

So how do 14K gold wedding rings compare to 18K gold wedding rings?

On average, 18K wedding rings have a higher resistance to scratching than 14K gold wedding rings. The table below shows the Vicker’s Hardness values (HV) – a measurement of a metal’s resistance to scratching – for common 14K gold and 18K gold alloys used to create wedding rings.

Because 14K gold wedding rings contain a lower percentage of gold than 18K gold wedding rings, they tend to be a little more brittle than 18K gold – and so damages to the band including dings or even bends will have a greater effect on 14K gold rings than on 18K gold rings.

The 14K White Gold Wedding Ring

One of the most popular styles in gold right now is white gold, but there are considerations which need to be taken into account before choosing a 14K white gold wedding ring.

All white gold rings are plated with rhodium. The rhodium plate is what gives the rings the bright white reflective mirror like surface. Eventually the rhodium plate will wear away, and the ring will take on a duller yellow tone. White gold wedding rings and engagement rings which are usually worn every day will generally need a new rhodium plate every one to two years.

White gold may also contain nickel, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. While many jewelry companies and jewelers are phasing nickel out of white gold rings, if you have a nickel allergy it is best to double check to make sure your white gold ring is nickel free.

Care for 14K Gold Wedding Bands

A 14K gold wedding band will only need minimal care. Clean the ring with warm soapy water – with a gentle nonabrasive soap – and try to avoid situations which could expose the ring to hard knocks or blows. If scratches do occur in the ring, take the ring to a professional jeweler so the scratches can be completely buffed out.

If you are searching for 14K gold wedding rings because they are more affordable than 18K, platinum and palladium rings, watch out for cheap 14K gold wedding bands which may not last for more than a few years.

Even when cost is a concern, look for 14K gold wedding rings which are handmade by reputable and quality jewelers and jewelry companies – but check for sales or look for rings made with smaller diamonds or gemstone alternatives to save on the overall cost of the ring. For affordable men’s wedding bands, it pays to look into durable alternatives to 14K gold including titanium, tungsten and stainless steel.

With any purchase of a 14K gold diamond ring, be sure that a certification from a reputable laboratory – such as the GIA, AGS or IGI – is included with the purchase of the ring.

Beware of 14K gold plated wedding rings. These types of rings include silver plated with 14K gold, brass plated with 14K gold and even pure copper plated with 14K gold. Plated rings of any kind are not a good idea for rings which are worn every day, but especially for wedding rings. These types of rings are constructed from extremely cheap metals and materials and they are often made with shoddy workmanship.

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