10k or 10 karat gold is an alloy made up of 10 parts of gold and 14 parts of other metals such as zinc, silver, nickel, or copper. In percentage terms, 10k gold contains 41.7% gold, i.e., pure gold and 58.3% alloy.

Jewelry that is 10k gold comes stamped with a mark such as 10k, 10kt, 10kT, or something of that sort. Also, if you see a mark reading .417, this means that the particular piece of jewelry is 10 karats gold.

In the most basic sense, 10k gold contains 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloy. This means that it contains more alloy than gold. This makes it a less expensive option. Besides, pure gold is a soft metal that tends to bend and scratch very quickly. But, since 10k gold has the most alloy in it, it’s more durable (less delicate) than 14k gold.

Quite similar to 10k gold, a gold alloy that is made up of 14 parts of gold and 10 parts of other metals is deemed as 14k. Other metals mostly include silver and copper, but zinc and nickel can be present as well.

If you sometimes wonder why you see 14k jewelry stamped with a mark such as .583 or .585, it is because this alloy contains 58.3% gold. Also, more often than not, a 14k piece will be marked as 14k, 14kT, 14k, or a similar variation.

14k gold contains 58.5% gold and 41.5% alloy. This usually makes 14k gold the most popular choice for engagement rings & wedding rings. In terms of color, 10k gold looks slightly paler than 14k gold. Although, you won't be able to see the difference with your bare eyes.

The most significant advantage of 10k gold is its price. 10k gold being less pure than 14k gold means that it usually costs much less to buy an engagement ring or other jewelry that’s made from this particular type of gold. 

Moreover, apart from being priced lower than 14k jewelry, 10k gold is also slightly more durable than 14k gold. This is because it contains a smaller amount of pure gold and a more massive amount of more durable alloy metals.  It also makes this type of gold more resistant to scratches, dents, scuffs, and other common damage. 

14k gold has several unique advantages. First of all, it offers a great combination of purity and durability. Secondly, 14k gold is made from 58.3% pure gold. This gives 14k the warm, luxurious appearance of gold, without the lack of warmth or dull color that many people dislike about 10k gold. 

Since 14k gold consists of more than 40% alloy metals, its durable enough for a vast majority of people. Let’s say that your fiancé-to-be has an active lifestyle; if that’s the case, a 14k gold ring will be resistant enough to scratches, dents, and other wear & tear for her to wear every day. 

14k gold’s higher purity level also makes it less likely to trigger metal allergies and cause skin reactions than 10k gold. Again, let’s say that your fiancé-to-be has sensitive skin, then 14k gold is a safer metal choice than 10k gold. 

While 14k gold is quite obviously more expensive than 10k gold, it’s still a very affordable metal for an engagement ring or a wedding ring or any other jewelry.

We at Global Watches offer a wide range of genuine 10k and 14k gold jewelry pieces, so go on and get your bling now. Some of the 10k and 14k Jewelry that we provide includes 10k yellow gold chain, 10k Solid gold rope chain, 10k Solid gold Cuban link chain, 10k white gold engagement ring, 14k yellow gold engagement rings.