subject: Which Is The Most Durable Between 24k, 18k And 14k Gold Mens Jewelry? [print this page] Tastes in jewelry vary from man to man, but many men seem to prefer chunky jewelry such as wide or heavy mens gold bracelets. These can be in the form of a band or thick cable link chain of around 17 to 19 grams. Some thick link wristbands and heavy mens gold bracelets have a flat surface for engraving.
Thicker or wider men's bracelets are typically more expensive, because they are heavier and contain more gold and alloys (other metals). The price however, will generally be determined by the purity of the gold content. A piece of 14k jewelry will contain just 58.3% pure gold, compared to an 18k piece with 75% pure gold, or a 24k item with 100% gold.
I shouldn't generalize, but males are typically rougher on jewelry than the ladies. This is especially so if the man does a lot of physical labouring work, perhaps on a construction site, or maybe in a workshop. It is easy to catch bracelets or necklace on something, and either hurt yourself, or damage the jewelry. One option is to NOT wear jewelry when working especially around machinery. The other option is to buy thicker chains, or heavy mens gold bracelets. However, be aware, this could pose more of a danger if it fails to break when caught in machinery.
If you want to buy stronger, more durable jewelry, then select a lower karat rating. This is because pure 24k gold is reasonably soft and can mark. A 14k bracelet would have more alloys mixed with the gold to make it stronger (and cheaper).
You have probably heard of the terms white gold and yellow gold. This is when other alloys like copper, nickel, zinc and silver have been added. A 14k heavy mens gold bracelet would have fourteen parts gold to ten parts of other alloys. These "other alloys" would give the bracelet added durability and should make it less expensive.
Despite what I have said, it is important not to be put off buying gold jewelry. After all, the value of the metal has stood the test of time for thousands of years. It is an extremely stable metal and is not likely to rust, or fade. Being soft, it is easy for a jeweller to work with and create some stunning pieces. For the same reason, it is sometimes best to buy gold jewelry containing other alloys to provide some extra strength.
In summary; 24k gold is pure and soft, 18k is still reasonably pure at 18 parts gold to 6 parts of other alloys, 14k is less pure with only 14 parts gold, and 12k has only 12 parts gold. The karat rating ranges from 1k to 24k.
