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Jenna
Expert June 2018

18k vs 14k

Jenna, on March 13, 2017 at 9:15 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 20

Opinions on 18k vs 14k white gold? Also does anyone have experience with Hearts on Fire engagement rings?

20 Comments

Latest activity by AK, on March 14, 2017 at 3:14 PM
  • Future381sWife
    VIP September 2017
    Future381sWife ·
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    Are you picking out your own ring?

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  • Danielle
    VIP March 2018
    Danielle ·
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    I prefer the 14k gold because it's not as yellow.

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  • Futuremrswhite
    Expert March 2017
    Futuremrswhite ·
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    Keep in mind what you will be doing day to day. If you work with your hands a lot like in a warehouse or something, 18k isn't for you. It will bend and get messed up. If you work in an office you'll be fine

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  • Bo Leigh
    Super June 2017
    Bo Leigh ·
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    I picked a 14K ring.

    @Future, I "picked" my own ring in some sense. I picked out several I liked and FH picked one of those because he couldn't decide on one he liked and didn't want me to dislike it (not that I would have anyway).

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  • LittleSparrow
    Devoted October 2017
    LittleSparrow ·
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    My FH literally handed me one of the Kay books and told me to look through it to get ideas. He then took me to the local Kay store and told me to pick out the one that I wanted. He wanted to make sure that I would be in love with whatever ring that I had. I guess it's up to the couple to decide how they want to do things.

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  • redhead
    Devoted August 2018
    redhead ·
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    I picked mine. Then I asked him which rings he would have picked for me and I shuddered at every one lol.

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  • Mrs. B
    VIP March 2017
    Mrs. B ·
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    I have 14k rose gold. The lower karat, the less soft the metal will be! So I'd go with 14k because I would want a more durable ring

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  • Orchids
    Master March 2018
    Orchids ·
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    I picked my ring, and I requested 14k because my job is HARD on jewelry.

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  • Love
    Dedicated September 2017
    Love ·
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    I have one ring in 14k rose gold and another in 18k rose gold. Just depends on how hard you are on your Jewelry.

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  • Jessica
    Dedicated September 2017
    Jessica ·
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    14k vs 18k....14k has less gold in it and more other metal, hence why it's more durable and less malleable. 18k is worth more as weight in gold....the closer it is to pure gold the more it's worth price wise. It's about preference and budget.

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  • Riya
    Super November 2018
    Riya ·
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    I picked my own ring, and FH made a customization suggestion that I love!!! It is perfect. Mine is 14k white gold, and honestly, only you will know if its 14k or 18k.

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  • AD2AP
    VIP June 2018
    AD2AP ·
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    There is nothing wrong with picking your own ring. - That being said, I have a 14k white gold ring & I wouldn't want an 18K because its easier to bend.

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  • mrsanda
    VIP March 2017
    mrsanda ·
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    My FH picked 14k and I have had no problems. I take it off for shower, dishes, and sleep but it's on most of the time & I have had it for a year and a half.

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  • kirackle
    Super September 2017
    kirackle ·
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    Have you looked into platinum? I also picked my ring and decided on platinum because on brilliant earth it only cost $300-400 more per setting.

    You should keep in mind that white gold will need to be redipped in rhodium every 2 years or much more depending on what filler metals are used. Older white gold lasted longer, but new rings are being made with higher nickel content. The graduation ring my mother got me is 14k white gold and depending on what I eat can turn my finger black.

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  • Bemyguest
    Master April 2017
    Bemyguest ·
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    18k has less nickel in it. The nickel is what makes it the "white" color. So if you're allergic to nickel (as I found out I am) either avoid white gold completely?, or go with 14k, at least.

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  • Miguel de Maria
    Miguel de Maria ·
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    I always assumed the bride picked her own ring, because my wife sure did. She's a jeweler and can get the same bands at a big-time discount. I don't think she's worked with a groom yet!

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  • naivemelody
    Savvy July 2017
    naivemelody ·
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    14K is more common in the US; 18K in Britain and Europe I've heard. I picked 14K because it's somewhat tougher and whiter.

    Hearts on Fire has "super ideal cut" round diamonds which is great, but if you're spending that much on a diamond it'd better be certified by GIA or AGS which I don't think theirs are. Plus HoF is crazy overpriced - I've heard it called Wallets on Fire lol. Look for a stone that's AGS 000 (highest certified cut), and/or labeled Hearts & Arrows (that's the non-branded term for an ideal cut) at a reputable retailer like Whiteflash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin, or James Allen. This article has more info: https://www.diamonds.pro/hearts-on-fire-review/

    Good luck and congrats on ring shopping!

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  • G
    Just Said Yes August 2017
    Gina ·
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    I have a hearts on fire. We just got engaged Saturday. Smiley smile Mine is 18K and I picked mine out myself as well.



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  • Jenna
    Expert June 2018
    Jenna ·
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    Beautiful Gina K! Thanks for all the advice everyone!!

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  • AK
    VIP July 2017
    AK ·
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    I picked out my 14k gold ring. I would be too hard on an 18k.

    Remember that gold is not white. "White gold" is gold that is rhodium plated. It wears off and you'll have to get it re-dipped periodically. Add up this lifetime cost, and you'd probably be better off getting platinum.

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