If you are looking for a touch of romance in your jewellery or accessory, then the rose gold is undeniably the best choice. Rose gold complements several gemstones like diamond, pearl, topaz, garnet, fire opal, tanzanite, green amethyst and aquamarine and together contributes to render a gorgeous and alluring look. Over the years, they have become an increasingly popular choice for use in jewelleries like wedding rings and engagement rings. The subtle and delicate colour and the very name are enough to dictate its matchless beauty and lustre.
Of all the precious metals available, gold is undoubtedly one of the most sought after. However, due to its softness, it needs to be alloyed with other metals to give it the desired strength. One such metals is copper, which, when alloyed in the right amount with gold gives out one of the most endearing colours- a beautiful rose-pink-gold hue. The colour of rose gold varies depending on the amount of gold used in the alloy. For example; in an 18 karat rose gold, there are 75% gold, 22.2% copper and 2.75% silver. However, a lighter or softer 18 karat rose gold, also known as pink gold has 75% gold, but has 20% copper and 5% silver.
Needless to say, there are different colours of rose gold and they can be categorised as:
- Red Gold: They are comprised of 75% gold and 25% copper
- Pink Gold : They consist 75% gold, 20% copper and 5% silver
- Real Rose Gold: They have 75% gold, 22.5% copper and 2.5% silver
The first recorded use of rose gold in jewellery was recorded in Russia about two centuries ago. It was around 1800 AD when the Russians began using rose gold in jewellery. It was so popular and immensely loved by the Russians that it was once hailed as the ‘Russian Gold’. With the passage of time and with the introduction of new trends, the Russians stopped using the rose gold. It eventually lost its link with Russia and assumed the name ‘Rose Gold’, the name which is widely used today.
Rose gold today, owes its immense popularity to the jeweller Louis Cartier who introduced the Trinity de Cartier in the year 1924. The ring features three bands of white gold-symbolising friendship, yellow gold-symbolising fidelity and rose gold-symbolizing love. Still popular, the Cartier ring deserves all the credit for the proliferation of the rose gold demand. Today, you will find rose gold jewellery in every jewellery store and in impressive and intricate designs which are to die for.
Rose gold does not have any rhodium coating; hence, you are spared from the hassle of having to bring it back to the jeweller after a few years for replating. Since rose gold is an alloy, the colour never fades. In other words, the metal can retain its original colour throughout. Of all the three categories of gold; yellow gold, white gold and rose gold- rose gold is said to be the strongest of the three. This is because its copper alloy is very sturdy. It must, however, be remembered that copper can be responsible for some allergic reactions in some people. They are basically not considered a hypo-allergenic metal. Rose gold is an apt choice for those with warm and cool skin tones. Even those with pale skin can adorn themselves with rose gold. Though they are affordable, they are not extensively available. They flatter the vintage/antique look vividly due to the romantic colour and hence is an ideal metal choice for those who are looking for a vintage or antique style engagement or wedding rings.
The colour of rose gold is elegant, warm and timeless. While it looks stunning on its own, it looks equally gorgeous when combined with white and yellow gold. The metal has a feminine touch that makes it all the more sophisticated and a favourite amongst the women.
