RING GUIDES

Learn About Rose Gold

Rose gold, boasting a luxurious blend of rich pink and golden hues, has seen a remarkable rise in popularity in recent times, becoming the favoured metal in contemporary preferences. Delve into the composition and historical background of this distinctive metal color to uncover more about rose gold.

What is rose gold?

Rose gold, a mesmerising pink-tinted metal used in crafting fine jewellery, showcases an enchanting hue reminiscent of a pinkish sunset, blending elements of both yellow and red tones. Revered for its warmth and unique charm, rose gold results from infusing gold with copper, accompanied by a touch of silver to temper and balance its color. This delicate rosy tint gives rise to rose gold's alternative name, 'pink gold'.

Commonly fashioned with varying blends of gold, copper, and silver, engagement rings and fine jewellery often feature compositions of 18K or 14K rose gold.

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Which metals make up 18K rose gold?

18K rose gold comprises 75% pure gold, 20% copper, and 5% silver. Copper imparts the pink hue to the otherwise yellow gold, while silver moderates its intensity while fortifying the rose gold alloy. Naturally occurring gold exists solely in yellow form, and there is no existence of pure rose gold in nature.

What's the difference between 18K and 14K rose gold?

The designations '18K' and '14K' specify the gold purity within a gold-based blend, such as rose gold. While 24K represents the purest gold, it's too vivid in color and lacks the durability required for fine jewellery. By infusing copper and silver into pure gold, rose gold is fashioned, achieving an optimal balance of color and resilience for everyday use.

At 14K, rose gold comprises 58% pure gold, resulting in a lighter, brighter pink tone with enhanced scratch resistance due to a higher proportion of copper and silver. In contrast, 18K rose gold, consisting of 75% pure gold, offers a deeper pink-gold hue but is slightly softer than 14K. Though the durability distinction between 18K and 14K rose gold is minimal, there's a noticeable variation in color intensity, with 18K often preferred for crafting rose gold rings.

Our standard choice at Mak & Co. is 18K rose gold, yet we're equipped to create 14K rose gold rings upon request. Reach out to us for more details.

The history of rose gold

Rose gold, a comparatively modern metal alloy, emerged in the mid to late 19th century, particularly in Russia, marking its initial use in fine jewellery. Recognised as 'Russian gold' due to its association with Carl Faberge's ornate Faberge Eggs, rose gold began its ascent in popularity. However, despite its gradual rise, it continues to be the less favored metal for contemporary engagement rings when compared to yellow gold and platinum, which have deeper historical roots in jewellery making.

Contrasting with yellow gold and platinum, commonly utilised in ancient jewellery crafting, rose gold stands out as a great choice for modern engagement ring designs or as a means to infuse a touch of modernity into an otherwise traditional ring.

How much does rose gold cost?

The craftsmanship for a rose gold ring commences at £700, featuring a straightforward solitaire design. Introducing a 0.30ct quality diamond elevates the creation of a well-crafted rose gold ring, typically starting at around £1,300. The pricing of your rose gold ring hinges on its design intricacy, necessitating varying metal and workshop hours, and notably, relies on the size and quantity of diamonds or precious gemstones incorporated.

Previously, rose gold rings were priced lower than platinum, but the current market trend reflects parity in pricing between rose gold and platinum rings.

Is rose gold real gold?

Absolutely, rose gold is indeed genuine gold, albeit not naturally occurring like yellow gold. It's an alloy blending pure gold with copper and silver. Unlike pure gold, rose gold doesn't exist naturally, nor does pure rose gold metal. However, through a meticulous combination of other natural metals in precise proportions, rose gold is meticulously crafted, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and robust metal.

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Why choose a rose gold ring?

Rose gold infuses a sleek and contemporary vibe into modern ring designs. However, its modernity doesn't confine it solely to contemporary engagement rings; instead, it can impart an unconventional and contemporary twist to an otherwise traditional ring.

The rosy hue of rose gold adds a feminine allure to specific ring designs, enhancing the ethereal charm of styles like cluster halo and diamond shoulder rings. Moreover, in simpler designs, the rose gold metal appears bolder and more contemporary, showcasing its modernity with flair.

View the pros and cons of yellow gold in the dropdown below.

Pros

Unique

Being the least commonly chosen metal, rose gold possesses a unique and charming allure, reducing the likelihood of encountering someone with the same ring.

Durable

The higher copper content in rose gold results in it being marginally more durable than yellow and white gold.

Doesn't Tarnish

Rose gold, unlike white gold, doesn't tarnish or require plating, offering lasting beauty without the need for frequent maintenance.

Skin Tone

Rose gold's warmth graciously complements a wide range of skin tones, offering a flattering and inviting aesthetic for many.

Contrasting

Rose gold creates a stunning contrast with gemstones and complements similar stones like pink sapphires, enhancing their beauty in a complementary and striking manner.

Cons

Non-hypoallergenic

Rose gold, containing copper, isn't hypoallergenic, potentially causing rare allergic reactions in some individuals due to the presence of copper.

Reflective

Colourless diamonds can reflect the hue of the metal they're set in. To mitigate this, using platinum claws on a rose gold ring can prevent the diamond from picking up the color of the metal, maintaining its colorless appearance.

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