ver the last several years, rose gold has been making waves in jewelry. A recent increase in demand among consumers is attributed largely to its rich warm tones that pair perfectly with every skin town. Whether you crave that vintage look for your wedding day or just have a taste for fine jewelry this sparkling metal is a must-have for anyone who wants to add some bling without breaking their budget!
In this article, we’ll take you through the history of this blushing beauty and show you how it stacks up to other popular metals like silver or platinum.
THE HISTORY OF ROSE GOLD JEWELRY
The use of gold to create an elaborate and luxurious design is ancient, but it wasn't until early 19th century Russia that this trend took off. After Carl Faberge used the metal in his famed eggs for the Romanov imperial family - thus earning them their name "Faberge Egg". The alloy became known as “Russian Gold” throughout Europe and the United States during the 1920s, adding another layer to jewelry trends around the world today.
The French watchmaker and jeweler Cartier’s Trinity Ring was one of the most famous pieces of this time. It consisted solely of three gold bands – a yellow, white, and rose-colored gold ring that was worn together as a set on your finger. Cartier was also known for its ling of rose gold jewelry that was often paired with dazzling gemstones and diamonds. The design became so iconic because it wasn't just about being stylish or fashionable; rather its purpose seemed simple: symbolize status with each color representing something specific.
In modern society, rose gold has seen a rise in popularity. Originally considered unfashionable in countries outside of Europe, it is now seen as a classic in home interior design as well as accessory staples.
WHAT IS ROSE GOLD?
Gold is a beautiful metal that can be mixed with other elements to create rings and jewelry pieces. There’s white gold, yellow gold, or rose-colored metals but what about pure 24 karat? Pure Gold is naturally occurring, but it isn't as durable due to its softness. It doesn't hold up well against everyday wear-and-tear from an engagement or wedding ring wearer's lifestyle. To combat this, we typically mix metal alloys with it, creating these different types of gold which are stronger and more resistant to damage.
You may have heard the term “pink gold” before, but what does it mean? In short - rose coloration. Rose gold is made from mixing pure gold with silver and copper alloys. This strengthens the metal and adds a pink hue. Adding more copper creates a redder rose gold.
Rose gold is a beautiful and luxurious metal that will not tarnish over time like other metals. You should keep your rose-colored jewelry clean by cleaning it once every few months or when you notice dirt build up on the surface of any piece made out of this material.
ROSE GOLD VS OTHER GOLD
Rose Gold:
As mentioned above, rose gold will not tarnish. In fact, over time, it develops something called patina which forms naturally due to the copper within its alloy and can be highly sought after in the jewelry world because this beautiful layer protects your pieces from any damage that may occur during wear. Patina will not damage your rose gold pieces or accessories and can be easily removed with a quick polish or cleaning. Care for rose gold pieces includes occasional cleaning with water and soap or a soft cotton cloth. Be mindful to prevent exposing it to hard knocks and blows as well.
Yellow Gold:
There are many different types of gold, but yellow is one that requires special care. Yellow gold is created when pure gold is mixed with zinc and copper alloys. This creates a soft metal that requires special care. Soap residue builds up quickly on yellow gold making the piece appear dull after wearing. It is recommended that yellow gold pieces be taken off before showering or doing household chores. It’s best to wipe down your jewelry in order to keep them sparkling and polished after wearing it. You may also want to store items when they're not being worn - like a cloth-lined box for example--to prevent any potential knicks and scratches from occurring on these high-value goods.
White Gold:
White gold is a precious metal that can be plated onto many different items to make them more durable. It's usually mixed with other metals like nickel and zinc, though it varies depending on the ratio of 75% Gold to 25% nickel/zinc. This means white gold is sensitive when in contact with chlorine-based detergents because these chemicals are capable of damaging delicate surfaces such as jewelry without protection against corrosion. To clean white gold pieces, create a cleaning solution with warm water and dish soap then let the item soak for 20-30 minutes before rinsing and drying with a soft cloth.
Palladium:
The appearance of palladium is similar to platinum, but it has some unique features. This shiny silver-white metal does not corrode as easily as other metals do, instead, it resists it. It is also hypoallergenic and is typically a go-to for those with sensitive skin. Palladium is more durable than its gold counterparts with a 5.75 ranking on the Mohs scale of hardness. As with most of the others, this metal can be cleaned with warm water and soap or using a pre-packaged jewelry cleaner.
ROSE GOLD JEWELRY
Durability:
Rose gold is known to be less prone to damage when wearing it every day versus yellow or white gold. It does not require additional layers of plating as other variations do and as mentioned above, it does not tarnish with age due to its unique patina.
Price:
The pricing of rose gold does not vary much from that of other gold jewelry. The value of a wedding band or ring is determined by the percentage of gold in the piece itself. Rose gold rings will hold just as much gold as a yellow gold ring so these two will be priced similarly.
Styles:
Despite its past, rose gold jewelry is much more popular today. These pieces are very easy to find online and in-store so you should have no problem finding a style that fits your taste. Some options to consider include a cushion or round cut diamond for your center stone, or even a radiant opal. Because of the metal’s pink hue, many people avoid stones that hold yellow tones and aim for colorless diamonds in the D-G range.
If you're looking for a unique and attractive ring, consider a rose gold one. You can find them at most jewelry stores or check out some of the online retailers who specialize in this type of ring, both of which carry many cuts and styles. They have an antique look, go with a range of skin tones, and they can be dressed up or down for any occasion offering versatility for any wearer.