I dont understand why they sell jewelry of 14k gold or less than that with diamonds...

Of course the higher the karat the better, but in my canvassing in different jewelry stores, some would say that for wedding rings 14k is better because 18k white gold jewelry easily becomes discolored over time while the 14k does not, making it ideal for wedding rings which are constantly worn. Is this true?

I wanted to get my boyfriend either a bracelet or ring for Christmas, but I don't have much money. I've been looking around, and I found a place that sells all kinds of jewelry, but has some really nice looking pieces that are pretty affordable, because they are 18k gold over sterling silver. Is it just a waste of money to buy jewelry made that way? Will it become dull, tarnish, the gold rub off, or become crappy looking with lots of wear? I went on a cruise a few months ago and my cousin and I brought bracelets back for our boyfriends. They were those "Inch of Gold" ones, I'm pretty sure they're gold over silver. My boyfriend wears his everyday and it has become quite dull. I don't want to make the same mistake twice.