A Guide to Rose Gold Jewelry
Rose gold, with its warm hue, has carved a unique niche in the world of fine jewelry. Its soft pinkish tone complements a variety of gemstones and pairs harmoniously with both modern and vintage-inspired designs, making it a versatile choice for jewelry lovers across generations.
Offering a romantic and contemporary alternative to yellow and white gold, rose gold is celebrated for its distinctive color and timeless charm. In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamentals of rose gold, to help give a new appreciation of this metal and its role in fine jewelry.
Rose Gold: From 19th Century Russia to a Modern Symbol of Romance
The story of rose gold’s rise in fine jewelry first starts off in the 1800s, with its roots dating back to the Imperial times of Russia.
Carl Fabergé, the famous Russian jeweler, used rose gold in his iconic creations, including the legendary Fabergé eggs. By blending gold with copper to achieve its signature rosy hue, he elevated the alloy into a symbol of luxury and elegance. His designs with rose gold inspired jewelers worldwide to embrace the delicate tone in their own creations, helping cement the alloy’s place in fine jewelry.
Continuing into the early 20th century, pink was often considered the color of romance, contributing to rose gold’s rise in popularity during the Art Deco (1920–1935) and Retro (1935–1950) eras.
Its use in jewelry saw a particular surge during the time of the Second World War, influenced in part by restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. It was during these times where platinum was labeled as a “wartime” metal and was reserved for military use, effectively banning it from civilian applications – including jewelry. Rose gold stepped in to fill this gap, and became one of the preferred metals for jewelry, seamlessly aligning with the trends of the era.
Today, rose gold is still favored for its romantic undertones and versatility. It’s a great metal that appeals to modern tastes while retaining a sense of vintage charm. In today’s showrooms, you can often find jewelry pieces made in rose gold, offering a romantic option among white and yellow gold variations.
The Composition of Rose Gold
Rose gold is an alloy— it’s a mixture of pure gold with other metals. The hallmark pink hue of rose gold comes from the addition of copper, which infuses the gold with its characteristic warmth.
The precise ratio of gold to copper (and occasionally silver) in the alloy determines the shade of rose gold. Higher copper content yields a richer, redder tone, while silver can soften the pink for a more delicate blush.
Rose gold typically comes in 14k or 18k varieties, with the former having a deeper pink tone due to its higher copper content. In comparison, 18k rose gold has a subtler blush and a slightly higher gold purity.
With the addition of copper, both options are durable, making rose gold suitable in pieces that are meant for everyday wear.
Caring for Rose Gold Jewelry
Maintaining rose gold’s radiant glow is relatively straightforward, but proper care ensures its longevity and beauty.
Cleaning: Clean rose gold jewelry periodically with a mixture of warm water and gentle soap. Use a soft brush to remove dirt or debris, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth to restore its shine.
Polishing: Over time, the copper in rose gold may develop a patina, giving it a slightly aged look. If preferred, you can have the piece professionally polished to restore its original brilliance.
Storage: Store rose gold jewelry separately in a soft-lined box or pouch to avoid scratches. Keep it away from other pieces to minimize abrasion.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: To prevent discoloration or weakening, remove rose gold jewelry before swimming or using cleaning products that contain chlorine or other harsh chemicals.
With minimal effort, rose gold pieces can remain a cherished part of your collection for years to come.
San Diego’s Destination for Rose Gold Jewelry
Rose gold makes for a perfect choice for those seeking a piece that’s romantic with a vintage charm. At Kim Quang Fine Jewelry, we have one of San Diego’s largest collections of rose gold jewelry pieces.
From wedding bands to earrings, chains, and necklaces, we have plenty of gold pieces in all hues for you to choose from.
Visit our showroom today and let our team help you find a piece that you will enjoy for years to come.