Short answer: choose 14KT for everyday pieces you will wear hard, and for the best value. Choose 18KT for a richer gold colour, more pure gold in the piece, or a special-occasion or heirloom design. Every Kimi design is made to order in both, in yellow, rose or white gold.
What the numbers mean
Pure gold is 24 karat. Because pure gold is too soft for jewellery that holds diamonds, it is mixed with other metals such as silver, copper and zinc.
| 14KT | 18KT | |
|---|---|---|
| Pure gold content | 58.5% | 75% |
| BIS hallmark purity mark | 14K585 | 18K750 |
| Colour (yellow gold) | Softer, paler yellow | Deeper, warmer yellow |
| Hardness | Harder, resists scratches and bending better | Softer, shows wear a little sooner |
| Weight of the same design | Lighter | About 17% heavier (18KT gold is denser) |
| Price | Lower | Higher: more gold per gram, and more grams |
Which is better for a diamond ring?
Rings take the most knocks of any jewellery. 14KT holds its shape well and keeps prongs firm around the diamonds, which is why many people choose it for engagement rings and bands they wear every day. 18KT works beautifully for rings too, especially solitaires and statement rings where the colour of the gold matters as much as the stone.
For earrings, pendants and necklaces, which take far less wear, the choice is mostly about colour and budget.
Colour: yellow, rose and white
- Yellow gold: the difference shows most here. 18KT looks deeper and warmer; 14KT is lighter and more muted.
- Rose gold: both karats look pink; 18KT is a little softer and warmer in tone.
- White gold: 14KT and 18KT look almost the same once finished.
How much more does 18KT cost?
Two things raise the price: each gram has more pure gold, and the same design weighs about 17% more in 18KT. Diamonds cost the same in both.
Here is a worked example for a ring weighed at size 13, with 0.50 ct of EF VS lab-grown diamonds, at a gold rate of ₹1,50,000 per 10 g of 24KT (November 2026):
| 14KT | 18KT | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold weight | 2.40 g | 2.81 g |
| Gold value | ₹21,600 | ₹32,034 |
| Diamonds (0.50 ct EF VS) | ₹7,500 | ₹7,500 |
| Making charges | ₹3,600 | ₹4,215 |
| GST 3% | ₹981 | ₹1,312 |
| Total | ₹33,681 | ₹45,061 |
Gold prices change daily. See today’s gold rate, and every product page shows its own live breakup for each karat, colour and size.
How to check the karat you receive
Every Kimi piece is BIS hallmarked. Look for the purity mark (14K585 or 18K750) next to the BIS logo and the 6-character HUID code, and verify the HUID in the free BIS CARE app. Our guide to reading your IGI certificate and BIS hallmark shows you how.
Our suggestion
- Everyday ring or band: 14KT.
- Engagement ring: either; 18KT if you love a deep yellow, 14KT for extra toughness.
- Earrings, pendants, necklaces: choose by colour and budget.
- Heirloom or investment-minded piece: 18KT, for its higher gold content.
Still unsure? Ask us on WhatsApp or book a video consultation, and we will show you both side by side.
