The 18K Gold Wedding Band
|
| Color | HV Value |
|---|---|
| 18K Yellow | |
| 18K White | |
| 18K Rose/Pink | 160/195 |
An 18K white gold wedding band has a higher resistance to scratching than other types of 18K gold wedding bands – and pink gold and rose gold have a slightly higher resistance to scratching than 18K yellow gold bands.
Scratches, dents or dings, and even bends in 18K gold wedding bands can be buffed out and repaired, regardless of what type of color of band is chosen. In terms of total durability, all of the bands are similar – but one important consideration is that an 18K white gold wedding band will need regular rhodium plating treatments to retain the original bright white color.
The cost for 18K yellow, white and rose/pink gold wedding bands will vary depending on the weight of the ring, the design and extra gemstones or diamonds added to the ring. On average though, there is not much of a price difference between the costs of these 3 colors of 18K wedding bands.
Comparing 18K Gold to Other Wedding Ring Metals
How does 18K gold compare to platinum, palladium, titanium and tungsten?
Titanium and tungsten are by far the strongest and most durable metals which can be used to create wedding and engagement rings - but because of their extreme durability, these metals cannot be crafted into intricately designed rings like gold, platinum and palladium.
Platinum, while it has a lower resistance to scratching, also has a higher durability than gold because it has a higher density and it wears better over the long term.
| Price | HV Value | Durability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18K Yellow Gold | High | 155-195 | 3.5 |
| Platinum | Highest | 130 | 4.0 |
| Palladium | Lower | 115 | 3.0 |
| Tungsten | Low | 500+ | 5.0 |
| Titanium | Low | 250-500 | 5.0 |
Palladium, while less expensive than gold, has less density than gold and a slightly lower HV value. Palladium can wear well with time, but it is not as durable as 18K gold, platinum, titanium or tungsten.
Comparing 18K Gold Rings to 14K Gold Rings
What about an 18K gold wedding band vs. a 14K gold wedding band? There is a common misconception that a 14K gold ring will wear better over time than an 18K gold ring, but the truth is that an 18K gold ring has a higher overall durability than a 14K gold ring.
Bands made with 18K gold often have a higher resistance to scratching than 14K gold bands. Rings made with 14K gold also more brittle than 18K gold and less able to withstand injuries to the band. A wedding band made of 18K gold will also hold its value through the years much better than a 14K gold band (which only contains 58.3% gold).
The long term wearability of 18K gold engagement rings and wedding bands will also depend on how thick the bands are and the workmanship which went into the creation of the rings.
Shopping Tips and Precautions for 18K Gold Wedding Rings
Keep in mind that it is impossible to tell if a ring is made with 18K gold just by looking at it. Rings made with 10K and 14K gold can have a similar color and appearance. To make sure you are actually buying an 18K gold engagement ring or wedding band, stick with reputable jewelry companies and jewelers.
If you are buying a used 18K gold ring, remember the hallmarking regulations for the U.S. – Gold rings do not have to have a hallmark stamp to identify the karat of gold they are made with, but if they do contain a hallmark stamp that hallmark stamp must be accompanied by a maker’s mark. If you see an 18K stamp without a maker’s mark on the inside of the ring, take your business elsewhere.
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