Can I Wear 18k Gold Every Day?

In our busy everyday lives, you deserve jewelry ready for anything—washing the dishes, showering, working out in the gym, or climbing the highest mountain!

Whatever your day has in store, your everyday jewelry needs to be steadfast, strong and reliable: a faithful companion with you every step of the way.

When it comes to 18k gold, strength doesn’t mean compromising on beauty.

Its sumptuous golden tones speak of undisputed elegance, yet it boasts epic endurance its 24k gold counterparts could only dream of!

Conventional wisdom may cast doubt on the practicality of such opulence. Yet, 18k gold thrives on the everyday stage.

Come along on this epic journey, as we explore the everyday versatility of 18k gold.

We’ll take a closer look at its composition, durability, and pricing to help you find a golden masterpiece that’s the perfect everyday partner.

The Composition of 18k Gold

18k gold is a union of elements comprising 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, including silver, copper and palladium.

This meticulous metallurgy mix counteracts pure gold’s inherent softness, lending a resilience befitting of everyday wear, without sacrificing its splendor.

The distinction between 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold lies in the specific alloy metals used in their composition.

While both contain 75% pure gold, 18k white gold is alloyed with palladium, nickel, or silver, giving it a pale hue resembling platinum or silver.

In contrast, 18k yellow gold is blended primarily with copper and silver in proportions that highlight gold's natural, warm coloration.

The Color of 18k Gold

18k is the gold standard of gold color.

It shines with an intensity that sets it apart from its lower-karat kin, yet it boasts a softer hue compared to its higher-karat, yet more impractical, 24k gold cousin.

Compared with 10k and 14k gold, 18k gold boasts a richer and more saturated yellow hue due to its higher gold content; it's a striking middle ground between the paler 10k and the deeper 24k.

Compared to 24k gold, 18k gold offers a more nuanced golden tone, balancing opulence with practicality.

In the yellow gold world, karatage directly influences color; higher karats mean a more intense golden color, as seen in the progression from 10k to 18k.

White gold, however, tells a different tale.

Karatage affects the metal's value and weight but not its color. 10k, 14k and 18k white gold remains consistently the same white color across the karats due to the addition of silvery-white alloys—like palladium or nickel.

Durability and Everyday Wear

18k gold's durability is not an accident but the result of centuries of metallurgical expertise.

Designed for the long haul, it's the choice metal for those who don't shy away from living life to the full.

With a higher content of pure gold compared to 10k or 14k, one might assume 18k to be more vulnerable.

However, its alloy composition is deliberately balanced to enhance its toughness, making it surprisingly resistant to daily wear that might mar lesser metals.

The resilience of 18k gold is evident in its resistance to tarnishing.

Gold, by its nature, is resistant to rust, corrosion, and tarnishing.

A lower gold karatage mixed with a high-proportion of other metals is a one-way ticket to tarnishing, especially when exposed to daily elements like sweat, cosmetics, and chemicals.

In contrast, 18k gold, with its higher gold percentage, inherently resists such tarnishing and maintains its luster with minimal care.

This endurance makes 18k gold an excellent choice for engagement rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces of jewelry that are worn close to the skin and subject to frequent contact.

The substantial gold content of 18k gold ensures a slow and graceful aging process, allowing the jewelry to develop a patina that many collectors and jewelry enthusiasts cherish.

Maintaining 18k Gold Jewelry

Caring for 18k gold isn’t a ritual; it’s a moment of mindfulness, a simple pause in your day. Just a little love and care will ensure it remains the sparkling companion by your side.

Regularly wiping your 18k gold with a soft, lint-free cloth can help remove oils and residue, preserving its natural gleam.

For a deeper clean, a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, combined with a gentle brushing using a soft-bristle brush, can revitalize even the dullest pieces.

It's important to avoid harsh chemicals and to store your 18k gold jewelry in a separate compartment to prevent scratching.

Pricing of 18k Gold

The pricing of 18k gold reflects its high quality and the considerable amount of pure gold within its composition, positioning it on the pricier side of the gold market.

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Such a valuable investment naturally calls for a conscientious approach to care, ensuring each piece retains its worth and glistening golden hue for generations.

The overall cost depends on your chosen jeweler, but on average, you can expect to pay around 20% more for 18k gold compared to 14k gold of similar weight.

Conclusion

To don 18k gold daily is to affirm your commitment to beauty and resilience.

This precious metal is not a fleeting trend; it's a timeless companion ready to weather life's storms and shine in its sunniest moments.

18k gold is a testament to the enduring appeal of true quality. It transcends the ordinary, bringing a touch of the extraordinary to every ordinary day.

So, as you stand at the precipice of decision, remember this—18k gold isn’t just for special occasions; it's for every day and moment. It's for you.

Why wait for a momentous event to showcase your 18k gold when every day is an occasion worthy of its gleam?

Visit Ben Garelick's collection and select a piece that doesn’t just decorate but accentuates life’s golden moments.

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.