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Rose Gold: Everything You Need to Know and More

Rose Gold: Everything You Need to Know and More

Today, together with you, we will go through all the details related to our topic: Rose Gold – Everything You Need to Know and More.

So, the goal is to start this article by explaining what rose gold is and its characteristics, including the most frequently asked questions, history, and much more.

The question that is most frequently asked when it comes to rose gold is what it is, and whether it is expensive, so our task is to immediately provide you with the most straightforward and most accurate definition:

Rose gold is an alloy created by combining pure gold with copper. The combination of the two metals alters the hue and karat of the final product. 

For example, the most common rose gold alloy is 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent copper, resulting in 18k rose gold.

Having said that, we will not stop at this answer only. Let’s dive deeper into Rose gold and provide you with every piece of information you need!

What is Rose Gold, and What Are Its Characteristics?

Let’s start with the fundamentals. What precisely is rose gold?

Rose gold is a mix of pure 24-karat yellow gold, copper, and silver. This metal, sometimes known as pink gold or red gold, is deceptive since it is not made entirely of gold.

The foundation for all gold tints and qualities is pure 24-karat yellow gold, yet it is maybe soft to be used in jewelry in its pure form. It must be mixed or alloyed with other metals to make it strong enough to wear.

Metals used in jewelry, such as yellow gold, white gold, platinum, and rose gold, are colored and determined using various alloy formulas. 

First and foremost, What Exactly is Rose Gold, and What Is It Composed of? Is rose gold real gold? you may wonder.

Rose gold metal (or red/pink gold) is a gold alloy comparable to white gold or yellow gold in that it contains several extra elements in addition to pure gold.

That is, rose gold is accurate but not 100% gold. Of course, there are different types of rose gold. Let’s take a quick look at what they are and their features!

9K gold has 38% gold while 18K gold contains 75% gold. This is true whether the gold is white, yellow, or rose. The alloy produces a more robust, durable metal, like rose gold.

Because gemstones and diamonds are frequently put in jewelry, this is essential for keeping them in place.

While 14k rose gold is “less pure” than 18k rose gold, it is more vital and desired in hue.

What Is The History And Origin Of Rose Gold?

Rose gold was initially used by monarchs in Russia in the early 1800s and rose to popularity around the nineteenth century.

Carl Faberge, a jeweler, popularized the color by using it in his one-of-a-kind Faberge Eggs

Because of the popularity of the eggs, the color was called Russian Gold. Over time, the color became highly valued worldwide, and it rose to prominence in fine jewelry in the 1920s, particularly in America, where people mainly used it to manufacture engagement rings.

Cartier became popular in the late decade for adding opulent, romantic metal into many of their designs, mainly when used as a setting for diamonds and other jewels.

Their Trinity Ring became recognized for its tri-gold interwoven beauty, and Jean Cocteau, a prominent French director at the time, was one of the first celebrities to wear it (on his pinkie finger).

The 1929 Wall Street Crash drastically impacted the global commercial scene. The twenties’ affluence suddenly became a bygone period. This abrupt change influenced the same dynamism, shaping the designs of the following decade.

Art Deco gave way to Art Nouveau, and jewelry was greatly influenced by monochromatic and geometric aesthetics, with platinum being particularly favored for an ice-white color scheme.

Now that we have started the history chapter, you must wonder what happened next. Let’s see!

The Rose Gold In The Twentieth Century

As jewelry progressed into the twentieth century, rose gold alloys became more homogeneous. Although white gold was prominent during the Art Deco period, rose gold was always present.

It was frequently employed as a decorative element on white gold objects, such as a rose with green gold leaves on a cameo brooch or the shoulders of a ring.

The postwar feminine renaissance influenced jewelry in fashion.

Rose gold in the retro era was shinier, brighter, and more vibrant in color. In addition, new jewelry-making technologies enabled goldsmiths to blend rose gold with white and yellow gold in the same piece of jewelry.

Rose gold took on a new color. As a result, they were leaning more towards a pink, flaming tint that contrasted brilliantly with white and yellow gold.

People used the same logic as the gemstones used in rose gold jewelry. Bright red rubies, rather than sapphires, were a favorite option for rose gold rings.

The Rose Gold In Modern Times

Rose gold remains fashionable in modern society. However, the color’s tone has shifted once again.

Modern rose gold has a clean pink hue with very little of the coppery tones found in Victorian rose gold. Modern Russian rose gold is the pinkest, with a bright pink tint that conveys freshness and vigor.

If current rose gold is too pink, you might enjoy the more coppery tones of Victorian and early 20th-century rose gold jewelry. These warm tones are flexible and attractive and go well with many jewelry types.

In conclusion, rose gold has been popular for a long time, as we have shown throughout history. 

However, its colors have changed over the years. In addition, there are different shades of Rose Gold jewelry, so your options are numerous.

Composition Of Rose Gold

Rose gold is created by combining copper and, sometimes, lesser quantities of other metals such as silver and zinc. Its characteristic rose tint is due to the copper. Because of the many metals used in rose gold, the hue changes from piece to piece.

Rose gold with a more excellent copper content will have a redder hue. Those with more gold, silver, or zinc will have a cooler pink tone. Like other gold hues, Rose gold is available in various karat weights.

At over 92 percent pure gold, 22-karat rose gold has the most significant proportion of pure gold. The remainder of the metal is made of copper. This high-purity rose gold is referred to as “crown gold.”

However, the disadvantage of such great purity is that the metal is soft and bends readily. As a result, it is rarely utilized to manufacture jewelry. (It was initially used to manufacture British coins known as crowns, which is where the name comes from.)

Rose gold jewelry is usually seen in 9, 10, 14, and 18-karat weights. Pieces from the Victorian era may include 15-karat rose gold.

The hue varies as the quantity of pure gold grows with the karat rating. Rose gold with a higher karat grade generally has a lighter tint than nine or 10-karat specimens.

Don’t worry; we will explain in more detail the characteristics of each of these listed rose gold karats in the article!

The Cost of The Rose Gold

Rose gold jewelry is priced similarly to other types of gold jewelry. The proportion of gold included in a wedding band or ring determines its worth.

Rose gold rings have the same amount of gold as yellow gold rings. Thus, the prices will be comparable.

Understand that gold is gold regarding the value of your rose gold. So, the present value of rose gold is the same as that of yellow and white gold.

22K gold costs around $55 per gram, 18K gold costs approximately $45 per gram, and 14K gold costs roughly $35 per gram.

Rose gold is sometimes thought to be more costly than pure yellow gold, although this is a myth. This is because the amount of pure yellow gold in your rose gold jewelry determines its worth.

Because rose gold is created by alloying (mixing) pure yellow gold with copper, the content of pure yellow gold determines the price. Rose gold is manufactured and not found naturally. As a result, the amount of pure gold in rose gold affects its value.

We have an exciting but straightforward method for you to try to calculate the price of karats yourself. Let’s see!

You may determine the cost of rose gold by dividing the karat of your jewelry by 24 karats. Then divide the answer by the weight in grams of the item of jewelry you have.

This will tell you how much pure gold is in your rose gold jewelry. Finally, divide the weight of pure gold by the current gold price per gram. The figure that resulted in the cost of the item of jewelry you own.

The fact is that rose gold is not more valuable than pure yellow gold because it is 75% pure yellow gold. So, if the worth of a rose gold piece of jewelry is determined only by its gold content, pure gold (24 karat gold) is more valuable than rose gold.

This is because pure gold is 99.99% pure gold, as opposed to the 75% gold content of most rose gold jewelry on the market.

Because they both contain the same proportion of pure yellow gold, the price of a 14k white gold ring is comparable to that of a 14k rose gold ring.

The gold content is critical when establishing the worth and cost of any jewelry.

It’s crucial to remember that most jewelry on the market is an alloy, which means it’s made of a mix of gold and other metals to enhance strength and longevity.

Is Rose Gold Long Lasting?

We explained that gold is soft and that the alloy components of gold jewelry strengthen the items. Because of the copper component, this is especially true for rose gold.

Copper is one of the most durable metals, and it is used in building construction, electrical conductors, and transportation such as trains and automobiles.

Rose gold jewelry will survive for years and only improve with age. Don’t worry; You will have an engagement ring for the rest of your life.

It is incredibly precious and a sign of love and devotion. No one wants to spend on jewelry, especially an engagement ring, that will not last.

A well-made rose gold engagement ring should be durable enough to be passed down from generation to generation. 

However, like with any precious item of jewelry, maintenance is essential.

By choosing materials that do not tarnish, fade, scratch, or dent, you may reduce the amount of care required for your jewelry, such as cleaning, polishing, and re-dipping. However, to keep your rose gold in good condition, you must first understand how to clean it.

If you’re thinking about purchasing rose gold engagement rings or rose gold jewelry, you might be wondering, “Does rose gold fade?” Conversely, for example, about tarnish.

These are fair and crucial issues to consider before purchasing rose gold jewelry.

Tarnish occurs when metal combines with chemicals in the air, causing it to change color and eventually rust. Tarnish gives jewelry a dirty look and creates an unappealing coating on the surface that might rub off your skin.

Tarnish is often just concerned with low-quality jewelry. For example, rose gold, which is formed of pure gold, copper, and silver metal alloys does not tarnish.

So you don’t have to worry about your rose gold engagement ring being tarnished or rusted due to chemical reactions in the air. Gold plating typically lasts two to three years before needing to be renewed.

On the other hand, Rose gold plating does not endure as long as gold plating or white rhodium plating.

Of course, to preserve your rose gold jewelry, you need to clean and take care of it from time to time. Now we’ll show you a couple of ways to do it!

The Rose Gold Cleaning and Maintenance

You should avoid using abrasive cloths or chemical cleaners to clean rose gold. This may cause interference with the jewelry.

To clean rose gold jewelry, you need soap, water, and a soft cloth to keep your item free of dirt and debris.

Rose gold jewelry, such as bracelets or diamond earrings, may be cleaned the same way a rose gold ring is cleaned.

Use soft soap and water or a vinegar-salt solution for any nasty piece that does not contain porous stones. 

Rose gold jewelry that you can’t simply clean with soap and water or vinegar, such as watches that can’t be immersed underwater, necessitates a little more care. A specific rose gold jewelry cleaning is required for these pieces.

Typically, a cotton swab or soft cloth is used to apply the cleanser, although you can use an ultra-soft toothbrush or cosmetics brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Wipe away the rose gold-safe cleanser with a gentle, wet cloth and dry it with a jewelry polishing cloth after using it as advised.

Let’s go through a few steps of cleaning rose gold rings and briefly explain the procedure!

1. Begin using a soft cloth, hand towel, or paper towel to line the bottom of a small bowl or glass. 

  • This will protect your ring from rolling about on the container’s bottom and maybe becoming scratched.

2. Blend a mild dish soap with warm water in the container.

  • Put your ring in the container and soak it for 5-10 minutes. The longer you immerse your ring, the dirtier it gets, although a few minutes is frequently enough to remove ordinary oils and debris. You may also use this approach to wash many rose gold rings or diamond jewelry simultaneously. Choose a container that is huge enough to hold each piece of jewelry. 

3. After the time has expired, properly clean the ring.

  • We strongly advise using a stopper or mesh drain cover to protect your ring if it slips through your fingers. Instead of washing the ring underwater, fill another small container with clean, warm water and swirl it around until it is soap-free and no longer feels slippery.

4. Once clean, gently dry your rose gold ring with a piece of soft jewelry cleaning cloth or an eyeglasses cloth.

  • Using a soft cloth will prevent you from scratching the metal’s surface or snagging any fabric on the setting or corners of the stones.

Learn More: Diamond Care: How To Take Care Of Your Diamonds

Identifying Genuine Rose Gold From Imitation Rose Gold

Rose gold has imitators since it is a coveted and valuable metal. So, how can you know whether you’re receiving a genuine deal?

Reputable Vendor

Getting your jewelry from a trusted merchant is an excellent place to start. Look for companies with a proven track record of client satisfaction.

Hallmarks

Next, carefully examine the thing you’re considering purchasing. For example, while historical rose gold may be unmarked, new rose gold should be marked.

The exact appearance of these will vary depending on the country in which the item was manufactured. However, there should be some indicator of the quality of the gold.

This will be a three-digit number or karat rating, i.e., a number followed by “K”.

Of course, a dedicated forger may create a hallmark as well. One practical test compares the gold karat rating to its hue. Remember that a higher purity rose gold ring will have less copper in it, giving it a pinkish rather than a red color.

If an “18K” ring has a darker, ruddier hue, it is unlikely to be what the label claims. Instead, it might be rose gold with a lesser purity. It might also be completely different, like a base metal plated in copper.

Discoloration Symptoms

Examine the jewelry for any indications of deterioration, especially around the edges.

Because these regions will see the most use, any plating will wear away quickly. If you can detect traces of another metal beneath the rose gold, your ring isn’t full of rose gold.

Examine The Magnetic

Because neither gold nor copper is magnetic, a magnet test is also a possibility.

It’s a good idea to get a powerful neodymium magnet for this. You may get one at your local hardware shop for a reasonable price.

It’s not rose gold if your thing clings to the magnet. But remember that just because it doesn’t attach to the interest doesn’t mean it’s not the actual thing.

Jewelers might include a variety of different metals. Brass, stainless steel, and aluminum are not magnetic, either.

Take your jewelry to a reputed jeweler to ensure it is genuine rose gold. They will be able to test it for you.

Rose Gold – FAQ

Is Rose Gold Authentic Gold?

It certainly is. Rose gold is gold, even though it is a blend of gold and other metals.

The most well-known yellow gold is mixed with copper and sometimes silver to produce the rose gold tint that gives it its name. The karat quantity in your rose gold may tell you how much genuine gold is included inside it. 

For example, an 18K item will consist of more than 75% natural gold.

What Is The Appeal of Rose Gold?

The current popularity of rose gold in jewelry is due to the return of color in fashion at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Rose gold complements all skin tones and is a fashionable alternative to classic yellow gold.

Rose gold jewelry looks well with sterling silver or white gold and may be worn casually or in a more formal environment. Also, it looks great with a basic white tee or a little black dress.

In other words, it is incredibly flexible and flatters everyone.

Is The Quantity Of Gold in White Gold and Rose Gold The Same?

The karat mark on any gold indicates the ratio of gold to other metals in the alloy. In rose gold or white gold, for example, 18k gold has 75% pure gold, whereas 14k gold contains 58.5% gold.

Is The Rose Gold Tarnishable?

Before purchasing rose gold jewelry or producing your own, you may wonder if rose gold tarnishes exist. The simple answer is NO.

However, after a few years of use, the color may alter significantly, with the look becoming deeper and slightly redder. This is because the copper in the alloy can darken with time.

Is Rose Gold Worth It?

Rose gold is precious because it is one of the most recognizable types of gold – but it is also known as pink gold elsewhere.

While the price of each jewelry item varies, it is determined by the karat value of the gold inside it. So, YES, it is definitely worth buying something that doesn’t tarnish, whose price is acceptable, and which has been in fashion for years and always will be.

When Should Rose Gold Jewelry Be Cleaned?

When your jewelry seems dull or lackluster, it is time to clean it.

Unfortunately, it may also appear unclean, with dirt or grime accumulating in the crevices of an engagement ring setting or the twists of a bracelet. Like any other jewelry item, Rose gold jewelry should be handled with care.

You will be able to appreciate the beauty of your rose gold engagement ring or other rose gold jewelry all of the time if you follow these simple procedures to preserve and clean it.

Final Thoughts

Today’s topic included a specific category of gold called Rose Gold or Russian Gold.

If you have read this whole article, you can safely say that you know everything about rose gold, i.e., what it is, its characteristics, how and where it was found, and much more.

For those who plan to buy or already own rose gold jewelry, we have set aside a few procedures to store it and maintain and clean it over the years.

We hope that you got all the necessary information in our article on rose gold, but also that you enjoyed reading it as much as we did while writing it for you!