# Is 22 carat gold too soft for an everyday ring? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 30, 2004, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789 "2004-05-30T14:47:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/1 "2004-05-30T14:47:33Z")
I absolutely adore rings such as [this](http://www.goldeneyesantafe.com/popups/Queen_Anns_Ring.html) one - 22 carat gold, lots of detail, etc. I’m looking at it as an every-day ring, something I’d basically wear all the time. Mr. Bry tells me I’m nuts, that 22 carat gold, regardless of what they tell me at the store, is simply too soft for a ring that I’ll wear constantly, and that I need something harder. There’s not much info that comes up about it on Google, and pretty much all the info I find is from jewelry stores selling such rings. They say “Suuuuure, you can wear 'em all the time! Smash 'em into hard objects! Throw 'em in the welder! They’ll survive.” I’m not sure what to believe. Anyone have any experience with such things? ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/2 "2004-05-30T15:08:44Z")
[This article seems to feel the “too soft” warnings are a bit overdone for occasionally worn items. For a ring to be worn everyday 18K or less is still reccommended.](http://www.cigem.ca/416.html) > [@](#): > > GOLD JEWELLERY > > Return to Top > > Though this article is primarily about coloured gemstones, it is obvious many visitors will want to buy gold jewellery. With this in mind, the following information should help. Gold prices are controlled and adjusted daily in accordance with the world market, however labour charges are cheaper than in the West and the gold jewellery fashioning is superb. The people of Sri Lanka invest in 22K gold jewellery, and many frown on anything less. Banks treat gold as a currency, e.g. they accept gold in the same manner as pawn shops, but only if it is 22K. Once or twice a year banks hold an auction for all the unclaimed jewellery, and by checking the classified advertisements in the English language newspaper, one can end up purchasing excellent jewellery at a good price. 22K Gold is normally sold, and priced, by the gram. However, in Sri Lanka many dealers refer to an item as being, "one sovereign, or, “one and a half sovereigns.” One “sovereign” is composed of 22K gold, and weighs eight grams (e.g. weight of the former British gold sovereign). It is a good idea to remember this so you do not become confused when dealers use these terms. Sovereign gold is not in demand by foreigners who are accustomed to 10 - 14 - 18K gold, probably because they feel it is “too soft”. Soft it may be, but bearing in mind the fact people do not wear such luxury items regularly, 22K is quite durable providing the owner is careful. I would recommend it for the following reasons: > > (a) It is always available, and at a lower cost (gram for gram) than the lesser quality gold. In Sri Lanka they often use the term “wastage” to explain why there is so little difference in the cost between 22K and 18K. Apparently this “wastage” is incurred when they have to make jewellery on demand, and they must use the leftover gold at some future date when an equal amount of 18K gold is required. Sounds like rather a weak argument, since you are paying for the “wastage”, and the future buyer will pay again! But, that is the way it is. > > (b) 22K gold is transformed into beautiful earrings, bracelets (called “bangles” locally,) chains for pendants, and rings that are incomparable. They have maximum metallic high lustre, beautiful colour, and are machine-faceted so that they glitter as if imbedded with gemstones! I have lived nine years in Arabic countries where 18K gold is the norm, and I have never seen gold fashioned so magnificently as in Sri Lanka. > > © Though I would recommend 18K gold for signet rings, or wedding bands that would be worn daily, the “softness” of 22K does not apply to items that are worn only on occasion. My wife has beautiful 22K jewellery that is very much admired “back home,” and there is no sign of wear and tear. So, buy some 22K gold jewellery for your loved one and she/he will be the envy of all! ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/3 "2004-05-30T15:16:27Z")
My experience is limited to college class rings, but yeah, there’s a BIG difference between grades of gold for everyday use. My uncle has his ring in 18k gold, and after 44 years, it’s so worn down that you can barely tell what school it’s from or what’s on it. My father’s ring, on the other hand, is 10k gold, and he’s had it for 36 years, and it’s very slightly worn down all around, but not to the point where it’s illegible, etc… I’ll go ahead and extrapolate that 22k gold would wear and deform even more dramatically than 18k gold would, but that might be offset by the relatively simple design of the ring you’re talking about. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/4 "2004-05-30T17:18:29Z")
I buy gold rings(among other things) for a living. I may have personally bought 25,000+ gold rings in my life. These are all previously owned rings. They were mostly 10K/14K, as this has been the standard in the US for 75+ years. But I’ve bought my share of 18K bands, and a few 21-24K ones. 21-24 karat is just too soft for a ring. It’s somewhat analogous to the current fad for platinum bands. We tell people that their platinum band they just “have to have” is soft, will scuff easily, etc. They just don’t listen. But they’re back within the year, complaining. Most 22K+ jewelry is made for the Asian/Middle Eastern market. Mostly the people in these areas don’t have the Western tradion of a everyday ring. If I’m incorrectly generalizing about this, I’ll gladly defer to others who know. I’m just going on what I’ve bought over the years. 99+% of all the 22+ karat gold I’ve bought is in the form of chains, bracelets, etc. They don’t wear the same as a ring would in everyday use. ---
**Author:** ![SandWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8491ac/32.png) [@SandWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SandWriter)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/5 "2004-05-30T20:26:19Z")
This guy makes tungstun rings with gold or platinum inlays. They are expensive as tungstun is hard to work. [http://www.trewtungsten.com/process.html](http://www.trewtungsten.com/process.html) The guys name is Trent West. ---
**Author:** ![SandWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8491ac/32.png) [@SandWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SandWriter)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/6 "2004-05-30T20:30:24Z")
Oh yeah, and to the OP, if you are a dishwasher or auto mechanic, then, yeah, it’s too soft. However, if you are carried around by 4 (male?) servents all day, then it’s probably fine. (without knowing how much abuse your hand, and therefore your ring, goes through every day, its hard for me to answer that question.) ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/7 "2004-05-30T20:39:02Z")
> [@SandWriter](#): > > Oh yeah, and to the OP, if you are a dishwasher or auto mechanic, then, yeah, it’s too soft. > > However, if you are carried around by 4 (male?) servents all day, then it’s probably fine. Although I wish I were carried around by 4 male servants all day, in reality I’m a computer jockey, which I gather falls between the two extremes you mention. I do on occasion wash dishes. I garden, too. And oh yeah, change “Mr. Bry” in the OP to “Mr. Athena” please. I’m getting my message board handles mixed up. Must not post before coffee. Back to the original subject, \ I really really love the look of 22 carat gold like that. I wonder if they can make harder gold with the same unpolished yellowish look? Must investigate. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2004, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/8 "2004-05-30T21:06:36Z")
I’ve seen quite a bit of “flashed” gold jewelry, especially from the MIddle East. It’s 14-18K, but flashed with 22K. I can’t comment on how that would wear on a ring. Haven’t seen enough rings of that type. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2004, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/9 "2004-05-31T04:29:26Z")
As a plain gold band (wedding) it could be OK. But not with all those fru-fru’s on it- not for “everyday” use. Yes, you could wear it “out to the Opera”. It _is_ nice, though. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![IrreverentTone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@IrreverentTone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IrreverentTone)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2004, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/10 "2004-05-31T05:03:46Z")
I have an 18K gold ring that has dents from wearing it only on special occasions. I really don’t walk around punching walls or anything! As lovely as that ring is, I’ll bet it would be a smushed wreck after six months. ---
**Author:** ![Aestivalis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Aestivalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aestivalis)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2004, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/11 "2004-05-31T05:51:00Z")
> [@SandWriter](#): > > This guy makes tungstun rings with gold or platinum inlays. They are expensive as tungstun is hard to work. > > [http://www.trewtungsten.com/process.html](http://www.trewtungsten.com/process.html) > > The guys name is Trent West. I have one of these: [![](http://www.trewtungsten.com/images/collection/large/7MTT.jpg) ](http://www.trewtungsten.com/images/collection/large/7MTT.jpg) The ring is, for all intents and purposes, indestructible. The shine is amazing and virtually scratch-proof. I highly recommend it for a mens wedding band. I get more comments about it than my wife does for her ring… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Thaumaturge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/858c86/32.png) [@Thaumaturge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thaumaturge)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2004, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/12 "2004-05-31T06:35:41Z")
**Aestivalis** - does it have a funny odor? I have a titanium ring, and it is odorless, but many metals such as copper and steel smell strongly when in the presense of human skin and sweat. I have to admit that I like the look of the tungsten rings, might even get one someday. ---
**Author:** ![John\_T.Conklin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_t.conklin/32/3307_2.png) [@John\_T.Conklin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_T.Conklin)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2004, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-22-carat-gold-too-soft-for-an-everyday-ring/247789/13 "2004-05-31T14:47:27Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > I absolutely adore rings such as [this](http://www.goldeneyesantafe.com/popups/Queen_Anns_Ring.html) one - 22 carat gold, lots of detail, etc. I’m looking at it as an every-day ring, something I’d basically wear all the time. Mr. Bry tells me I’m nuts, that 22 carat gold, regardless of what they tell me at the store, is simply too soft for a ring that I’ll wear constantly, and that I need something harder. My 24k wedding band has been worn every day for almost 11 years (just a few weeks away). It _is_ soft. It’s no longer round, and some of the details are worn down (it has some chinese characters, some floral designs, and I think what was a dragon and phoenix) but it is structurally sound. I have no doubts that it will last, but it’s likely the remaining details will continue to be worn away with time.