Rose Gold
Rose gold was first used in early 19th century Russia by the famed jeweller Carl Faberge in his infamous Faberge Eggs, as was known as Russian Gold. Rose gold later gained popularity in the United Stated during the lavish and feminine 1920’s, and rose gold engagement rings and fine jewellery were worn.
Cartier was instrumental in the rise in popularity creating luscious rose gold, fine jewellery with precious gemstones and diamonds. One piece in particular aided in the rebirth of rose gold in jewellery, a simple band of three gold colours of gold intertwined now known as the “Trinity Ring” (Sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Russian Wedding band).
Created by Cartier and commissioned by Jean Cocteau, famed French writer, artist, filmmaker, and playwright and who infamously wore the Cartier ring on his pinkie. Over the decades the popularity of rose gold has come and gone, dictated mostly by fashion and starlets. Today rose gold has once again taken its rightful place in the style sections of your favourite magazines, on the hands of trend setters and you, our future brides.
Rose gold is a subtle, romantic colour of gold that translates into romantic, elegant fine jewellery and engagement rings. The depth of colour in the rose gold depends on the ratio of yellow gold to copper.
Less yellow gold and a higher copper content will result in a more reddish rose colour. As an example 9carat rose gold is more of a rose pink colour than 18carat rose gold due to the higher yellow gold content in 18carat.
A perfect complement to a sunset glow, the pink tint of the gold and copper alloy brings out the subtle blush tones of one’s skin.
What makes rose gold jewellery so popular today?
Now that you know how rose gold gets its colour, why is it so popular today? Rose gold isn’t as gaudy or timeless as gold, but it’s in style right now. Its current popularity in jewellery is due to the comeback of colour in fashion at the start of the 21st century – rose gold complements the frilly shades and neutral colours.
Additionally, rose gold jewellery is rarer, says Duvall O’Steen, the director of jewellery promotion for the World Gold Council. The fashion world loves exclusivity, which makes rose gold even more desirable. But its price is similar to yellow or white gold as copper is cheap and is based on the weight of the gold.
What’s more, Rose Quartz was one of the colours chosen for Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2016, which resembles the colour of rose gold. In a world of protests, fights, and riots, Pantone chose Rose Quartz, along with Serenity (a lilac-imbued baby blue), because the colour conveyed a “sense of order and peace, something that speaks to people. Something that has a bit more mindfulness attached to it”. The desire for colour also inspired jewellers and designers alike to incorporate the ever popular Morganite stone into rose gold rings. The peachy pink brilliance of this stones colour is perfectly enhanced by rose gold.
Rose gold jewellery also holds a deep meaning for those who buy it for themselves or someone else. Some women choose rose gold engagement rings because it has vintage design appeal. The colour makes the ring look like it could be an heirloom that can be passed down one day.
Other reasons for the popularity of rose gold jewellery are:
- It’s modern, romantic, and unexpected
- It has a friendly, quirky glow
- It’s bubbly, cheerful, and accessible
- It represents femininity
- It brings warmth
- It’s fashionable
- It conveys luxury and comfort
- It shows compassion and composure
- It’s calming and soothing
- It throws a wonderful glow onto the skin
- It brings out the subtle blush tones of one’s skin
- It shows you follow trends and care about how things look
- It says something about what you value
The Pros and Cons of Rose gold engagement rings
The Pros
- Rose gold rings are very durable, more so than yellow or white gold (not as strong as platinum, though).
- They’re also surprisingly affordable.
- Rose gold does not require rhodium plate either, like white gold does.
- Vintage/antique appeal, often with a romantic connotation due to the rose color.
- They complement all skin tone.
The Cons
- Rose gold engagement rings can cause allergies for people allergic to copper. Therefore, they are not hypoallergenic.
- When it’s a small item it might not be as visible as a gold tone or silver tone.
It is important to remember and take note of the fact that every lady has her own preference when it comes to the colour of their gold. Many still prefer the original yellow gold as gold is known to be. White gold or platinum is the most popular amongst the women of today. On the same note it is noteworthy to mention that rose gold has gained a staggering amount of popularity in the last ten years.
A side note to all men confused with the many details concerning the vast differences and preferences when it comes to choosing an engagement ring. It will be smart to take note and perhaps have a look at her jewellery box to see where her taste lies. If the majority of her jewellery is rose gold, you are safe going with rose gold. On the contrary if it seems that her jewellery box is filled with traditional yellow gold or the very popular choice of white gold or silver jewellery, going for rose gold might be a long shot.
To all readers, rose gold brings a message of joy and relief. Let me expand to sooth your doubts. Rose gold is very flexible and can easily be worn with other colours of gold and even silver. Despite the words of critics it is accurate and safe to say that rose gold is timeless. Rose gold and diamonds make a combination of beauty and elegance, enough to snag the hearts of any woman who is a lover of timeless beauty.
What is rose gold?
Correct, rose gold is not mined, it does not come from the ground as rose gold. Rose gold is a mixture of originally mined yellow gold and copper. When considering 18kt rose gold it comprises of the following in general 75% yellow gold, 4% silver and 21% copper.
Let us break it down and elaborate on the karat of gold. I will now point your attention to the list below which makes it easy to understand.
24/24 = 99.9999% gold This means that 24 parts of 24 is pure gold. Apply the following principle to the list below to have it all make sense
- 18 karat gold = 18 / 24 = 75% gold
- 14 karat gold = 14 / 24 = 58.3% gold
- 10 karat gold = 10 / 24 = 41.7% gold
- 9 karat gold = 9 / 24 = 37.5% gold
Referring to the information in the above list of percentages you will this find that a 9kt rose gold ring will have a deeper red colour of rose gold compared to that of a 18ct rose gold ring. You guessed it, the 9kt rose gold mixture has less yellow gold and more copper which is added to the compound and as a result you have a deeper red copper colour.
Does rose gold fade?
A common concern about rose gold is that the rose gold will lose its colour as time passes. The answer is a simple no. The rose gold colour is not something which is added afterwards, it is part of the mixture or compound. Rose gold is long lasting and requires little maintenance. I will now make mention of white gold so that you can see and understand the difference between the two and why there should be no concern about the rose gold colour fading with time.
White gold is the most popular yes. It is a man made gold where yellow gold is combined with zinc, nickel, copper and palladium which is then covered with a thin layer of rhodium called rhodium plating which gives the white gold ring an immaculate bright white finish.
With the use of your hands and wearing the ring daily this thin layer of rhodium will wear off over time. This rhodium plating process we speak of should be done and re-done every 18 months give or take as it all depends on how well you treat your ring.
Unlike the above mentioned, rose gold does not have a thin layer of anything that needs to be added to the finished ring. Rose gold will need to be polished every 18 to 24 months to remove the scratches when they become a bother.
Durability of rose gold
Rose gold is the least durable when comparing rose gold to white gold, yellow gold and platinum.
Rose gold scratches easily and does not have a high resistance against scratches. It is wise to consider slightly thicker and stringer claws to hold your diamond in place to prevent heartache and the risk of losing your diamond.
All in all you have so many options with the choice of rose gold. Whether it be an elegant and simplistic ring or whether it be a vintage ring, a ring with a halo and pave setting rose gold works. You name it.
Last of all, congratulations, you are now geared to make an informed decision and make the love of your life the happiest they have ever been.
