14 Karat vs 18 Karat Gold for Investment?

14 Karat vs 18 Karat Gold for Investment?

ByThomas Goldfreburg
6 min read

When purchasing gold jewellery as an investment, it is vital to opt for high-carat gold, like 18ct or 24ct, because the purer the gold content - marked by higher karat numbers - the more precious the piece. Gold bullion consists of 24 karat gold, usually 99.99 %, while 24-carat gold is 99.9 % pure, guaranteeing the highest purity level available. For coins, gold needs to either be in the form of coins or bars and be of a minimum purity of 22 karats; some coins are made in 22 karat to make them more resilient to scratching and wear & tear. Gold coins contain either 22 or 24 karat purity levels, and this distinction in carats, whether 24k, 18k, or lower, directly influences the value and durability of the jewelry. Look for 18K gold (75 % pure) or higher to secure high purity levels that allow gold to be a good investment due to its durability, ability to hold value, and resistance to inflation.

Is 14k gold a good investment?

Article image

14K gold is a reliable investment because gold typically holds its value well, and 14K gold is no exception. However, its resale price can vary based on current gold market rates, the craftsmanship of the piece, and the design.

14K gold contains 58.3 % pure gold and 41.7 % alloy, so it holds inherent value due to its gold content. Because it is less expensive than 18 K or 24 K gold, 14 K gold is more accessible to a wider range of investors and offers affordability. Jewelry made from 14 K gold serves as a tangible financial asset that increases in value over time, yet resale is typically based on melt value, not investment value. Proper care and maintenance helps maintain the shine and appearance of 14 K gold jewelry, allowing pieces to be passed down to future generations as an heirloom.

14k precious metal is splendid for long-lasting daily jewelry, yet its function as an unadulterated investment is dull compared to 24k precious metal bars. I bought a 14k precious metal strand because the item was less expensive than higher-karat choices and the thing permitted me to obtain a substantial-looking piece. The jewelry maker said the blended metallic element in 14k Au reduces its inherent precious metal content, so its worth is reliant on the workmanship and trade name appellation. I recognized my 14k precious metal item was more of a lavish belonging than a fluid resource, and the charge I paid for the jewelry configuration was completely wasted. When I chose to trade it during a time of upper precious metal prices, I found out its selling amount was lesser than I expected, and the return fell short. My view changed after talking with various financial consultants and seasoned investors in valued metals. I directly deem upper purity alternatives are best.

Thomas Goldfreburg
Thomas Goldfreburg
Investor at Goldfreed

Which is better: 22k or 18k gold for investment?

The comparison between 22k and 18k gold for investment is given in the table below.

Aspect22K Gold18K Gold
Purity91.6% - 91.7% pure gold75% pure gold
Karat Representation22 Karat or 916 gold18 Karat or 750 gold
Price PointHigher than 18K, lower than 24KLower than 22K, higher than 14K
Resale ValueSlightly better due to purityLower than 22K
DurabilitySofter, more malleableHarder, more durable
Resistance to ScratchesLess resistant, scratches more easilyMore resistant due to added alloys
Suitability for Daily WearLess suitable, more delicateMore suitable, recommended for daily wear
Ideal UsesTraditional, ceremonial jewelry, bridal sets, heirloomsDaily-wear jewellery, engagement rings, necklaces, modern jewelry
ColorRich, deep yellow colorSlightly less yellow, can have yellow, rose, white tones
StrengthSofter and more malleableHarder and more durable
Investment PotentialBetter suited for investment pieces, holds higher gold valueLess ideal for investment due to lower gold content
TarnishingMore prone to scratches and dulling over timeLess likely to tarnish due to harder metals
Common MarketsIndia, UAE, Middle Eastern, and other Asian marketsEurope, USA, globally popular
Stone SettingLess ideal for gemstone settingsSuitable for intricate gemstone settings

22K gold is better for investment. It contains 91.6% pure gold and retains higher gold value. Because purity is the principal driver of cost, 22K gold pricing is more expensive than 18K gold. Investors therefore receive more metal per gram. This purity also means 22K gold holds a slightly better resale value than 18K gold.

22K gold is good for investment pieces like coins, bars, or bridal sets that are kept safe rather than worn daily. While 22K gold scratches more easily and is softer than 18K gold, this softness is irrelevant for stored bullion. What matters is that 22K gold carries intrinsic value and is marked as 916, a hallmark recognised in Indian, Middle-Eastern, and Asian markets where gold is traditionally resold.

18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% alloy metals. Lower gold content gives 18K gold superior strength, so 18K gold is more durable and resists scratching better than 22K gold. Consumers who want jewellery for daily wear prefer 18K gold because it is harder and less likely to bend. Yet for pure wealth preservation, durability is secondary, purity is primary. Thus 22K gold is suggested for long-term investment, while 18K gold is better reserved for rings, bracelets, and watches meant to be worn every day.

Trading a 22-karat precious metal piece was a direct procedure. Its price was far more directly correlated to live stock exchange cost, so I got a cost a lot nearer to the existing precious metal rate. I bought 18-karat precious metal jewelry, yet when I tried to trade a part the value I paid for the workmanship was mostly declined upon selling. I figured upper metal substance decreased inherent precious metal amount, whereas upper purity meant larger part. The difference in price was instantly clear. Therefore, I switched my concentration entirely to 22-karat precious metal like ingot and 22-karat precious metal like medallions.

Thomas Goldfreburg
Thomas Goldfreburg
Investor at Goldfreed

Is gold jewellery a good investment?

Gold jewellery is a good investment if you buy plain gold pieces with high purity and low making charges. Rings, chains and bracelets of 24K, 22K or 18K can hold value, resist inflation, be portable and be traded easily, yet jewellers add design premiums and resale deductions, so bars and coins offer better liquidity. Buyers therefore choose only well-documented pieces from reputable sources, keep weight high, store them securely, and consult a financial advisor before purchase.

I regard precious metal jewelry as a bad venture. I paid a substantial amount above the precious metal's melt amount, and the jewelry must see a considerable rise in gold values only to break even on the first commitment. I spent a substantial amount of money for the workmanship and mark, yet its financial worth was not acknowledged as I wished. This has led me to see jewelry principally as an individual lavish. I at present choose alternatives like precious metal exchange-traded finance or sovereign gold coins, for supreme precious metal coins lack the hefty agios related with jewelry and follow the cost of precious metal.

Thomas Goldfreburg
Thomas Goldfreburg
Investor at Goldfreed

Expert behind this article

  • Thomas Goldfreburg

    Thomas Goldfreburg
    Thomas Goldfreburg is a gold investment advisor, author and founder of Goldfreed. Thomas's expertise is built on an academic foundation of a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University and complemented by market experience. Thomas specializes in gold IRA, ETF, 401k, and physical gold investments.