While pure gold and most gold alternatives have a typical golden yellow color, rose gold is different. It has a soft pinkish hue, making it an excellent choice for gold lovers who want to stand out.
If you’re curious about rose gold jewelry and wondering if it deserves a spot in your collection, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we give you all the details about this fascinating gold metal!
What is rose gold?
Rose gold is a gold alloy (or mix) formed by blending pure gold and copper. The presence of copper creates the unique, pinkish-red rose color that identifies rose gold.
The gold and copper can be mixed in different ratios to create different shades and karats of rose gold. For example, 18K rose gold is formed by alloying 75% gold and 25% copper, resulting in a lighter pink hue.
Is rose gold real gold?
Rose gold is a gold alloy, meaning it’s made of real gold and another metal. So it contains real gold, but it is not entirely real gold.
What does rose gold symbolize?
Rose gold symbolizes elegance and love, and is becoming a popular choice metal for engagement rings. Its soft, rosy color identifies with love and romance, while its golden composition represents elegance and style.
Is rose gold more expensive?
No, rose gold is not necessarily more expensive. The worth of rose gold, as well as other types of gold like yellow gold and white gold, is determined by their gold and alloy content.
Gold is worth about $55 per gram, so an 18K rose gold piece weighing 7 grams would cost about $290.
Rose gold’s alloy, copper, is cheap, costing only $0.00752 per gram ($7.52 per kg). Nickel and silver alloys in white and yellow gold cost $21.52 and $622.00 per kg, respectively.
💡 Bottom Line: Because copper is cheaper than white and yellow gold alloys, rose gold is usually less expensive than yellow gold and white gold.
Does rose gold turn your skin green?
A low karat rose gold may turn your skin green because of its high copper content. But this discoloration is harmless to your skin.
Avoid this by choosing a high karat rose gold (like 18K or 22K). They contain less copper and are less likely to discolor your skin.
Pros and Cons of Rose Gold
To help you decide whether or not to go for rose gold, we’ve weighed the pros and cons.
Pros
Here are reasons why you may want to choose rose gold:
- It is very durable because it contains copper, a strong metal.
- Rose gold is more affordable than white and yellow gold.
- It has a unique and attractive look.
- Rose gold suits every skin tone, whether dark or light.
- Its soft pink hue complements most gemstone colors.
Cons
On the other hand, here are a few disadvantages to owning rose gold jewelry:
- Rose gold can irritate sensitive skin because of its copper content. It is not hypoallergenic.
- Rose gold is less common than yellow and white gold, so you’ll find fewer design options.
- Resizing or repairing a rose gold piece may be tricky because of the need to match its unique color.
Related: See how rose gold compares with yellow gold.
How to Care for Rose Gold
If you’re choosing rose gold, you need to know how to care for it properly. Here are specific care tips for rose gold jewelry:
- Regularly use a polishing cloth to remove dust and particle buildup from your jewelry surface
- Use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean your rose gold jewelry every two or three months. Leave the jewelry in lathered water for about five minutes, clean it with a soft toothbrush, and then rinse with clean water. Use a soft cloth to dry the jewelry afterward.
- Avoid wearing rose gold jewelry while exercising or sleeping to protect it from scratches or chips.
- Fight tarnish as soon as you find it. If you notice your rose gold jewelry tarnishing, drop it in white distilled vinegar and salt for a few seconds and rinse with lukewarm water. Gold does not tarnish, but the presence of copper may make rose gold prone to tarnish.
- Do not use harsh products like abrasive jewelry cleaners, perfumes, or hair products on your rose gold jewelry.
Where to Buy Rose Gold
Buy your rose gold jewelry from trusted brands.
- If you’re looking to shop online, BlueNile Jewelry is an excellent, well-renowned site.
- Macys also has an interesting collection to choose from.
- Tiffany & Co have served jewelry lovers for many years with their vast collection of rose gold.
- Jared is another trustworthy site to buy rose gold rings, bracelets, or necklaces.
FAQs About Rose Gold
Before you get on the rose gold train, you should know a few more things about rose gold. We’ve provided this information to answer some frequently asked questions about rose gold.
Does rose gold look cheap?
While rose gold is cheaper than yellow and white gold, it does not look cheap. Its hue represents elegance, and it’s a distinct type of gold. Of course, it all boils down to personal preferences.
Is rose gold out of style?
Rose gold is far from being out of style! Although it was first used in the 1800s, its popularity was only recent, and it is still one of the trendy metals for engagement rings in 2022.
Can you wear rose gold every day?
Rose gold is a highly durable metal, so it is suitable for everyday wear. It will not wear and tear easily, and there’s no plating over it that may fade away. If you need a piece of jewelry to wear daily, rose gold is a great option!
Can you shower with rose gold?
Yes, you can shower with your rose gold piece. However, regularly showering with it may make it look dull over time.
Is 14K or 18K rose gold better?
14K rose gold contains 58% gold and 42% copper, while 18K rose gold contains 75% gold and 25% copper.
Because 18K rose gold has more gold, it is more valuable. But in terms of durability, 14K gold is a better option because it contains less soft gold and more strong copper.
14K gold is also better for setting gemstones and has a deeper rose gold color.
Why is my rose gold ring turning silver?
Your rose gold ring may turn silver due to oxidation. Oxidation occurs when your ring metal reacts with moisture, causing it to discolor.
You can prevent this by protecting your ring from water or moist air and storing it in a dry, airtight bag.
Which colors go well with rose gold?
Almost all colors go well with rose gold.
Neutral colors like black, gray, and navy blue complement rose gold, highlighting its blush shine.
Rose gold also fits nicely with bright red, blue, or purple colors. Whether it’s a gemstone or dress, finding a color that suits your rose gold jewelry is easy and quick.
A Unique Kind of Gold
Few metals match rose gold’s beauty and durability. Its soft pink hue stands out uniquely. It is also easy to wear and care for, and budget-friendly. As long as you do not have highly sensitive skin, choosing rose gold is one of the best jewelry decisions you’ll ever make!
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