What is Rose Gold? All You Need to Know About This Precious Metal

Rose gold, also known as pink gold, is one of the most beautiful, soft and feminine jewellery choices out of all the colours of gold. Its subtle colour complements all skin tones, and it offers a timeless elegance to any backdrop or setting – formal or informal.

Whether you’re heading out on a special date or treating yourself to a luxurious gift you’ll appreciate for years to come, here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this blush-hued golden precious metal.

What Is Rose Gold?

The metal rose gold is a metal blend of pure yellow gold, combined with other alloys such as copper and silver. Pure gold, while beautiful, is too soft to use alone in larger jewellery pieces which is why it is blended to give it strength and durability.

The ratio of alloys which are mixed with rose gold will determine exactly what hue and shade the final product bears. Rose gold is also known as red gold, and pink gold.

What Is The Origin And History Of Rose Gold?

Rose gold is said to have first been used in Russia in the early 1800’s by royalty and really became popular at the turn of the 19th century. It was made famous worldwide by the jeweller, Carl Faberge, who used the colour in his one-of-a-kind Faberge Eggs. The popularity of the eggs led to the colour being dubbed as Russian Gold. Over the years, the colour became highly prized around the world and found further fame in fine jewellery in the 1920’s, especially in America where it was used predominantly to make engagement rings.

The jewellery company Cartier became synonymous in the later part of the decade for incorporating the luxurious, romantic metal into many of their pieces, especially when using it as the setting for diamonds and other gemstones. Their Trinity Ring became famous, for it’s tri-gold intertwining beauty – and famous French filmmaker Jean Cocteau was one of the first celebrities of the time to wear it (on his pinkie finger).

What Is Special About Rose Gold?

Rose gold is one of the best metals for every skin tone out there. The many soft, romantic shades of it compliment everyone and it is suitable for all kinds of jewellery – from rings, to bracelets, necklaces, and more.

The blush colour varies from a subtle pink champagne through to a more dominant rose-red colour and the pricing is done accordingly. This ability to have differentiating colours within its range make rose gold highly customisable and it is thus a highly unique metal.

Is Rose Gold Considered Real Gold?

Yes it is. Despite the fact rose gold is a mixture of gold with other alloys, it is indeed considered gold. The pure yellow gold most known is combined with copper, and often silver, to create the rose gold hue that gives rose gold its name.

You can find out how much real gold is within your rose gold by looking at the karat amount that’s within it. Ie: a piece of 18K will have over 75% real gold within it.

Is Rose Gold Valuable?

Rose gold is indeed valuable since it’s one of the most recognisable kinds of gold around – though it may be known elsewhere as pink gold. While each jewellery piece will have the amount it’s priced at varied, this depends upon the karat value of the gold content within it.

The colour of the rose gold will also depend on the ratio of pure yellow gold that is used when compared to copper. This will result in a more red-tinged rose colour and the jewellery item may get priced lower than one that has a higher gold content. For example, 14K rose gold will have more of a rose tinge to it when compared to an 18K rose gold piece. The 18K rose gold piece will be priced higher than the 14K gold one due to the different ratios of gold within them.

Is Rose Gold Worth More Than Gold?

The vivid hue of rose gold may lead to many assuming it’s worth far more than the purer, yellow gold. However, this is a misconception, since the pricing given to rose gold is set mainly due to the gold content within the piece – ie: 9K gold or 18K gold.

This puts its value to the same as gold – though some pieces are priced slightly higher than an equivalent gold item, due to the processes rose gold undergoes.

What Are Some Popular Jewelry Styles For Rose Gold?

Due to its highly malleable state, rose gold jewellery is available in many popular styles. From chunky bracelets that can be engraved with names, messages of love, and more, to engagement rings and eternity rings.

In fact, pink diamonds and Padparadscha sapphires both paired exquisitely with rose gold to make a truly unique and entirely stunning statement piece.

How Can You Tell If Rose Gold Is Real?

In order to tell if your rose gold item is authentic, you’ll need to check the karat amount within it – or the hallmark of it if you’re in the United Kingdom. This symbol is used to verify all current jewellery items purity and ratio of gold within it.

Antique pieces may not bear this symbol; however, your jeweller will be able to advise you further should you need additional help authenticating your rose gold piece as real.

Does Rose Gold Tarnish Or Fade?

Unlike other metals, rose gold is unique in that it does not tarnish or fade over time. Instead, due to its copper content, it’s more likely to darken and take on a slightly more red-toned appearance over years of wear. This gives it a unique vintage look which many people love since it gives their jewellery item a sense of timelessness.

How To Clean Rose Gold

To clean rose gold, you’ll need to avoid any kind of abrasive cloths or chemical cleaners. This can interfere with the jewellery. To clean rose gold jewellery, soap and water with a soft cloth are all you should need to keep your item free of dirt and debris.

Is Rose Gold Still In Style?

Rose gold jewellery has never gone out of style. This type of jewellery remains a classy, timeless piece which will suit all budgets. Investing in it ensures you have a jewellery item that will indeed stand on its own against trends.

Are Pink Gold And Rose Gold The Same?

When comparing pink gold and rose gold, some people wonder if these items are different. The answer is no, since pink gold and rose gold are both made up the same way. However, the tone of rose gold or pink gold is set according to the ratio of gold to silver and copper the jewellery item contains.

The highly romantic colour of rose gold is a great option to gift to yourself or a loved one. It remains a timeless, classy piece of jewellery which will blend in well with other items already owned.