When purchasing a ring, the choice of buying a 14K, 18K and Platinum ring needs to be made. These three differences call for some research and a hard decision. All three options have different durability and wear.
The amount of pure gold in 14K and 18K make a great difference in the wear and feel. Pure gold is way too soft to wear and is usually mixed with alloys. Alloys are a mix of different metals including copper, nickel, zinc and silver.
14K has 58.3% pure gold with a mix of 41.7% alloys. The durability of it is strong for everyday wear, and is less likely to bend. However, 18K has a total of 75% pure gold with 25% alloys. The color of gold depends on the types of metal alloys that are in the ring. The metals mix in and add some colors. Yellow gold coloring, is natural gold color with almost no added colored alloys. This natural color doesn't need re-plating and can forever keep its yellow color. The color rose gold has a hue of rose that is made from copper alloys mixed with gold. The most popular color is white gold. White gold is plated with a hard metal called rhodium. Rhodium plates the ring and gives it a silver color. The downside to rhodium is that it wears overtime, and needs to be re-plated.
Platinum is a whole other subject. Platinum is the most popular metal made, and is rarer that gold. Platinum is the most bought metal because it is naturally plated to look white/silvery and never has to be re-plated. It will never fade and it lasts forever, making it the symbol of everlasting love. This is the most durable metal, which allows a secure setting for diamonds. Its naturally white color attracts many people into a labor free purchase.
So the next time choosing between 14K, 18K and Platinum make sure to remember these important differences. Each have its upsides, and each are a great buy no matter what the choice is.