14 karat gold is obtained with a mixture of pure gold with other metals, such as, nickel, copper, zinc, etc. It consists of 58.3 per cent of pure gold. The addition of other metals is made to give it strength. 18 karat gold consists of 75 per cent pure gold and 25 per cent of other metals. While both of them are alloys, they have different constitutions of gold and that is why they can be put to different uses. The presence of non-metals in greater proportion makes the items made from 14 karat gold more durable and harder.

Being soft, 18 karat gold is less resistant to scratches. The objects made from it bend and scratch more easily. The color of 18 karat gold is more intense than the color of 14 karat gold, also, 18 karat gold is considerably purer as well as expensive than the latter. 14 karat gold is usually recommended for pieces that will be used on daily basis, while 18 karat gold will be more suitable for items of less frequently use.