What is rose gold? You might already know that rose gold is a beautiful, precious metal with a rosy sheen, which many people consider a romantic choice for engagement rings. But what exactly is rose gold? Read on, to find out more.
What is rose gold made of?
Rose gold is a mixture of yellow gold, copper and silver. The copper in rose gold gives the metal a redder colour than yellow gold naturally has.
The silver helps to tone down the redness of the copper, achieving a subtle pink shade.
Is rose gold real gold?
Yes. When it comes to purity, rose gold is no different from yellow gold or white gold.
18K gold contains 75% gold, and in turn, 9K gold contains 38% gold. This is regardless of whether the gold is white, yellow or rose-coloured.
To make sure the rose gold you buy is made with real gold, all you have to do is check the hallmark. It’s the best way to know you’re getting the real deal.
Why is rose gold mixed with other metals?
Gold on its own is too soft to be used in its purest form. A piece of jewellery made out of pure gold would quickly bend out of shape.
That’s why gold – whatever the colour variation – must always be mixed with harder metals. In the case of rose gold, one of the metals used to harden the gold is copper.
This does not take away from the value of the gold in any way, but simply gives the gold a rigid shape and a unique rosy glow.
Does rose gold chip or tarnish?
No, rose gold does not chip. However the copper within rose gold can darken slightly with age, making its pink lustre appear a little redder than when you bought it.
This is a natural feature that is considered desirable, because it gives rose gold jewellery a vintage look.
Is rose gold suitable for engagement rings?
Yes, rose gold is highly suitable for all types of fine jewellery items, including engagement rings. Copper is a very durable metal, and when mixed in with gold it helps preserve the shape and surface of your jewellery.
There’s also a further benefit to utilising rose gold: When compared to white gold (which is rhodium coated to give it a whiter surface) rose gold jewellery won’t require any maintenance during its lifetime.
Who invented rose gold?
No one knows exactly who came up with the idea of adding copper to gold, but we do know that rose gold first became popular in Russia at the beginning of the 19th century. That’s why in history books, rose gold is often referred to as “Russian gold”.
Why do people say rose gold has a ‘vintage look’?
Again and again, rose gold has peaked during famous historical design periods. After it was first popularised in Russia during the 1800s, rose gold then became fashionable during Queen Victoria’s time.
Later, this red variety of gold experienced another strong revival during the 1920’s Art Deco era. “Tri-coloured” rings with yellow, white and rose gold were particularly popular.
After the Roaring Twenties, the trend for rose gold wavered. By 1935, platinum was the most popular precious metal used in jewellery.
However, World War II meant that platinum suddenly became a valuable mineral needed for war efforts. Once again, this blushing gold tone made a comeback. That’s why rose gold features so strongly in 1940’s and 1950’s retro jewellery.
Why is rose gold so popular now?
In terms of fashion, rose gold is a subtle yet rich looking metal. Rose gold’s recent use in watches, and even iPhones, has brought the metal back into jewellery fashion.
Up until recently, the market was dominated by white gold and platinum. For those of us who love to experiment with colour in jewellery, the trend’s return is a welcome change.
Gold with pink tones compliments most skin tones, so it’s very easy to wear. Many people also consider rose gold the most romantic precious metal, because of its pink colour. Above all, this beautiful variation of gold has a distinct vintage feel.
What are the best rose gold jewellery gifts?
If you’re looking for a rose gold jewellery gift, why not consider a beautiful rose gold ring, perfect for daily wear?
