Why 18k Gold Is the New 14k Gold

Throughout the course of history, gold has been valued for its natural beauty and purity. It exemplifies flawless simplicity and can be added to any ensemble for a more luxurious look and feel. Here at Viva Vida, our mission is to make every woman feel beautiful and chic. We do this by carrying only the highest quality, 18k gold jewelry that will not tarnish and can be worn any and every day.

Gold purity is measured by its karatage. This scale ranges from: Gold plated – .05% gold or lowest quality and does not measure up to fine jewelry standards, to 24 karat gold – 100% gold or the highest quality, but is much too soft to use for creating durable, fine jewelry.

Most of our competitors carry 14k gold pieces which are still sutiable for fine jewelry, but will not remain untarnished and as durable as Viva Vida pieces over time. What exactly sets us apart from other fine jewelry companies? Let’s explain the difference between our pieces and lesser quality jewelry. With 9 different types of gold available on the market, you want to know exactly what you’re purchasing and that it will withstand the test of time.

18k gold serves as the perfect medium for creation of fine jewelry due to its strength and metal content. Commonly used, 14 karat pieces consist of exactly 58.3% gold, while 18 karat items contain 75% gold. The most ideal metal combination for fine jewelry has a mixture of copper, silver, and pure gold. In unison, these metals give off the beautiful and warm golden hue that make Viva Vida the ultimate statement wear for a fraction of the price.

Understanding microns is also very important when it comes to gold quality and purity. Microns serve as a unit of measurement equal to one millionth of a meter, and we only offer 18k gold pieces that are filled higher than 3 microns. For example, our best-selling Victoria Gold Cable Necklace is plated at 10 microns. As a Viva Vida woman, we know that quality is just as important as making a fashion statement that will make you feel feminine and empowered.

So, you may be asking yourself, “What are some tips in caring for and maintaining my new, Viva Vida pieces?” You’ll want to make sure to keep your gold jewelry away from any household chemicals or cleaners, as these can cause irreversible damage. Remember to store Viva Vida jewelry in a safe, preferably soft pouch, like our stylish Travel Case that holds up to 30 pieces of jewelry!  

One of our most unique attributes is that you can bathe in any of our 18k gold selections and never have to worry about taking them off for fear of submerging them in water. Our Hailee Hoop Earrings are so trendy and versatile that you can dress them up or down with any outfit of your choosing while keeping them on 24/7.

Purchasing a piece of Viva Vida jewelry isn’t just choosing maximum durability and quality, but is making an investment in becoming the best version of you.