14k and 18k are fine for gold rings (18k not so if you do a lot of manual work, though everyday life, fine). Pendants can be excellent at 22k. ...edit... it seems the West are shy of the high karat gold jewelry compared to those of the Eastern countries. I went to look at gold chains in your standard shopping mall jewelers in Melbourne and the highest was 9k..not so in my travels to Asia.
I'm the same, I actually more often than not go to my local $25barber...Supporting community is important