What Type of Gold Should You Buy? The Ultimate Breakdown by Use & Value

The Simple, Honest Guide to Gold That Lasts, Shines, and Feels Right.

So—you’ve found your dream piece of lab grown diamond jewellery (because why settle for anything less?). But now comes the harder part: which type of gold should hold your diamond?  

If you’ve ever wondered:

• What’s the difference between 14K and 18K gold?
  
• Should I choose yellow, white, or rose gold?
  
• Which kind of gold holds up best for everyday use?
• Is gold-plated jewellery worth it?
  

You’re in the right place.

This guide will break it all down in plain, simple language—so you can choose gold that fits your style, lifestyle, and values.

What Does “Karat” Mean?

When you hear terms like 10K, 14K, or 18K, they refer to how pure that type of gold is. Because pure gold is soft, it’s mixed with stronger metals—known as alloys—to enhance its durability. The higher the karat rating, the greater the amount of pure gold in the mix.

Karat	Purity	Best For
10K	41.7% gold	Super tough, budget-friendly
14K	58.3% gold	Everyday jewellery like rings and earrings
18K	75% gold	Fancier pieces, heirlooms, special gifts
24K	99.9% gold	Very soft, not practical for jewellery you wear often

14K gold strikes the perfect balance for daily wear—durable, elegant, and easy on the wallet.

18K gold showcases a richer tone and adds an extra touch of elegance.

How Do Yellow, White, and Rose Gold Compare?

Each is genuine gold; the color simply changes based on the metal alloys blended in.

 1. Yellow Gold

• Traditional, warm, and timeless.
  
• Doesn’t need much maintenance.
  
• Looks beautiful on warm skin tones.
  

Great for: Classic styles, vintage vibes, sentimental gifts.

 2. White Gold

• Bright and modern (like platinum but more affordable).
  
• Needs occasional polishing or rhodium replating.
• Looks great on cooler skin tones.
  

Great for: Minimalist rings, clean designs, and engagement jewellery that highlight the right type of gold.

 3. Rose Gold

• Soft pink color—romantic and different
  
• Very strong (thanks to copper)
  
• Suits all skin tones

Great for: Unique style, modern brides, emotional gifts.

Still unsure? Choose the type of gold that matches your style—or complements your skin tone best.

Which Gold Is Best for Everyday jewellery?

Go with 14K. Here’s why:

• It’s strong enough for everyday use.
  
• It won’t bend or scratch easily.
  
• It’s more affordable than 18K—but still looks luxe.
• It holds diamonds really well (especially solitaire rings).
  

That’s why Earthly uses only 14K and 18K solid gold—never anything lower or plated—and pairs it exclusively with lab grown diamonds for lasting beauty and integrity.

Which Gold Is Best for Heirlooms or Gifts?

18K gold is ideal if you’re:

• Gifting something meaningful (like a birthday, anniversary, or milestone).
• Creating a ring that might get passed down.
• Wanting that deeper, richer gold tone.
  

14K remains a solid choice, particularly for younger shoppers seeking both strength and style.

What About Gold-Plated jewellery?

It may seem appealing at first glance—but its shine fades quickly.

Gold-Plated:

• A delicate coating of gold applied over a base of lower-cost metal.
  
• It begins to fade or peel with time—often within months or a couple of years.
  
• Not worth much over time.
• Might cause skin irritation for some people.
  

Solid Gold (like Earthly uses):

• Real gold all the way through.
  
• Lasts for decades.
  
• You can wear it every day.
  
• Holds its value.
• Safer for sensitive skin.

Simply put: Solid gold is the way to go if you want timeless elegance and meaningful wear.

How to Care for Your Gold Jewellery Based on Karat, Type of Gold, and Jewellery Style

Gold may be stunning, but even solid gold requires proper care to maintain its shine. Here’s how to take care of your 14K or 18K gold jewellery (like the ones from Earthly), so it lasts for decades.

Caring for 14K Gold

Why it matters: 14K gold is strong, but it can still get dull or scratched over time—especially if worn daily.

Care tips:

Caring for 18K Gold

• Wipe gently with a soft microfiber cloth every few wears.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine (even in pools).
• Remove when doing heavy lifting, cleaning, or workouts.
• Store your jewelry in a cushioned, fabric-lined case to protect it from scratches.
• Mild soap and warm water can be used for occasional deep cleans.

Why it matters: With its higher purity, 18K gold is slightly softer and can scratch more easily.

Care tips:

• Avoid wearing 18K gold rings during manual work or at the gym.
  
• Gently buff with a polishing cloth every few weeks to bring back its shine.
• Keep away from perfumes, sprays, and lotions—apply them first, then jewellery.
• Use a gentle, non-abrasive jewellery cleaner if needed.  

Caring for Gold Colors (White, Yellow, Rose)

White Gold:

• To keep its shine, it may need rhodium replating every year or two.
• Avoid abrasives to preserve the plating

Yellow Gold:

• Low maintenance; just clean and store well
• Buff lightly if it gets small scratches
  

Rose Gold:

• Very durable due to copper content
  
• Clean gently to prevent dullness over time
  
• Polish occasionally to revive warmth

Pro Tip: Always clean your gold jewellery with a soft brush, warm water, and mild dish soap—never toothpaste or abrasive cleaners.

And if in doubt? Have a professional jeweller check and professionally clean your jewellery at least once a year.

FAQs: Common Questions About Gold jewellery

1. Is 14K gold better than 18K gold?

Not better—just different.14K gold offers durability and value, making it perfect for daily use.

18K gold is richer in color and a bit softer, often used for heirlooms or special-occasion jewellery.

2. Will my gold jewellery tarnish over time?

Solid gold—whether it’s 14K or 18K—is a type of gold that doesn’t tarnish like silver, though it may lose its shine or develop light scratches over time. White gold, a popular type of gold, might require rhodium replating now and then. With proper care, any type of gold can keep your jewellery looking brilliant for years.

3. Can I wear my gold jewellery in the shower or pool?

Shower? Occasionally, yes—but avoid soap build-up.

Pool? Absolutely not—chlorine can slowly damage gold and take away its natural shine.

4. Which skin tones pair best with rose gold’s soft glow?

Rose gold is super versatile—it flatters almost every skin tone.
It adds warmth to cool tones and glows on warmer tones. That’s why it's a favourite for meaningful gifts.

5. How do I know if I’m allergic to gold?

Pure gold doesn’t usually cause allergic reactions. But if you have sensitive skin, avoid 10K or plated jewellery, which may contain nickel. Stick to solid 14K or 18K gold, like Earthly uses—it’s skin-friendly and safer for long-term wear.

What’s the Best Gold for Different Styles?

Jewelry Type	Best Gold Option	Why It Works
Engagement rings	14K or 18K white/yellow/rose	Strong, beautiful, holds diamonds securely
Everyday rings or necklaces	14K gold	Durable and easy to maintain
Gifts or heirlooms	18K yellow or rose	Rich tone, emotional feel
Fashion pieces (layering, trend items)	14K gold	Affordable + stylish + sturdy

Let’s break it down based on how you wear your jewellery. Need a ring that checks all the boxes?

Check out Earthly's solitaire rings—Lab grown diamond, timeless gold, built to last.

How Does Gold Fit into Sustainability?

Solid gold is more sustainable than you think—when it’s:

• Ethically sourced (like Earthly jewels).
• Crafted for longevity—so you won’t have to keep replacing it.
• Paired with lab grown diamonds, which are lower-impact than mined stones.

If you're mindful about your jewellery’s origin and impact, real gold is a thoughtful and sustainable option.

What Earthly Jewels Uses—and Why

At Earthly, we design jewellery that reflects your values and complements your style—no matter the type of gold you choose.

That’s why we use:

• Only 14K and 18K solid gold
  
• Available in yellow, white, and rose
  
• No plating, no shortcuts, no compromises
  
• Thoughtfully matched with lab grown diamond for a contemporary and conscious touch.

We create pieces meant to celebrate your story—and live through every chapter.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Gold for You

You don’t have to be an expert to find the right gold for you. Just ask:

• Will I wear this every day or only sometimes?
• Do I prefer something classic, modern, or a bit romantic?
• Do I want something that lasts and feels meaningful?
• Am I buying for me or someone I love?

Key Points to Remember:

• If you want strength and everyday beauty, choose 14K.
• If you want richness and a little more luxury, choose 18K.
• Choose the color that feels like you.
• Choose solid gold, not shortcuts.

Want to explore timeless, ethical gold pieces?

Discover Earthly Jewels’ collection of lab-grown diamond rings and heirloom-worthy gifts—crafted in every type of gold we offer, including 14K and 18K solid gold, designed for the moments (and people) that matter most.