Home › Guides › 14K vs 18K Gold: Which Is Better for Your Diamond Jewellery? Lab grown diamond guide 14K vs 18K Gold: Which Is Better for Your Diamond Jewellery? Every piece we make is available in 14K or 18K gold, in yellow, white or rose. Here is how they differ, so you can pick the right one for daily wear and budget. By Vinay Mutha, in the diamond trade in Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai since 1999 · Updated 6 Nov 2026 On this pageWhat 14K and 18K meanYellow, white or rose goldRhodium plating on white goldBIS hallmark and HUIDOur suggestion What 14K and 18K mean Pure gold is 24 karat. It is too soft to hold diamonds safely, so jewellery gold is mixed with other metals (alloys) such as silver, copper and zinc. 14K gold18K gold Gold content58.5% (hallmark 14K585)75% (hallmark 18K750) Strength and scratch resistanceHigher – good for daily wearSlightly softer ColourSlightly lighter yellowRicher, deeper yellow PriceLowerHigher (more gold) Best forEveryday rings, bands, active handsClassic look, special pieces Yellow, white or rose gold Yellow gold – the traditional choice; warm and classic. White gold – gold mixed with white metals and finished with rhodium plating for a bright white shine. Best with D–F colour diamonds. Rose gold – gold mixed with more copper for a soft pink colour; very popular for engagement rings and gifts. Rhodium plating on white gold Rhodium is a bright white metal from the platinum family. It gives white gold its mirror-white finish. With daily wear the plating slowly wears off and a light warm tone can show, usually after one to two years. Re-plating is quick and inexpensive, and it makes the ring look new again. BIS hallmark and HUID In India, gold jewellery must carry a BIS hallmark. It shows the BIS logo, the purity (for example 14K585 or 18K750) and a 6-digit HUID code that is unique to that piece. All our gold jewellery is BIS hallmarked. You can check a HUID in the government BIS CARE app. Our suggestion For an engagement ring or a ring you will wear every day, 14K is the practical choice. If you want a richer gold colour and the piece is for special occasions, choose 18K. Both hold a lab grown diamond securely when the setting is made well. See designs in every gold colour: lab grown diamond rings, engagement ring designs, birthday gift jewellery. Unsure of your size? Use our ring size guide. Frequently asked questions Is 14K or 18K gold better for an engagement ring?14K is harder and more scratch resistant, so it is better for daily wear. 18K has a richer colour and more gold, and costs more.Does white gold change colour?White gold is plated with rhodium. Over one to two years of daily wear the plating can wear thin and show a slightly warm tone. Re-plating restores the bright white finish.How can I check that gold jewellery is genuine in India?Look for the BIS hallmark: the BIS logo, the purity mark (such as 18K750) and a 6-digit HUID code. You can check the HUID in the BIS CARE app. More guidesLab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What Is Really Different?How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? CVD and HPHTIGI Certificate Guide: How to Read and Verify a Lab Grown Diamond ReportThe 4Cs of Lab Grown Diamonds, Made SimpleDiamond Shapes Guide: Find the Shape You LoveHow to Clean and Care for Your Diamond Jewellery