Why Is Rose Gold Pink and What Are the Different Shades?

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Rose gold is created by alloying copper with yellow gold. Different shades of rose gold are created with different proportions copper alloys.

The exact shade of rose gold depends upon the proportion of copper alloyed with gold.

Twig Band with Diamond Accents in Rose Gold

A Rosy History:

Rose gold is enjoying a moment of popularity. An increasingly sought-after choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry, this fetching precious metal enjoys a rich history. Rose gold was formerly known as “Russian Gold” since it was worn exclusively in Russia during the 19^th century. The blush-toned metal was introduced to a wider audience in the 1920s, when Cartier produced it’s iconic “Trinity Ring,” which features three intertwined bands (one in rose, white, and yellow gold). The Trinity Ring was originally commissioned by John Cocteau, French writer and filmmaker.

Readers of the Classics may have noticed Greco-Roman texts referring to gold as “red.” This may not refer to the rose gold we know today, however. During ancient times, impurities in the smelting process may have altered the color of the gold, giving it a reddish tinge.

Why Is Rose Gold Pink and What Are the Different Shades? | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Jewelry

Rose gold is a romantic shade with a rich history.

Morganite Gemstone and Pearl Ring

How Rose Gold is Created:

Modern rose gold is created by alloying yellow gold (gold’s natural color) with copper. Although rose gold is often interchangeably described as “rose,” “red,” or “pink” gold, these terms actually describe different proportions of gold to copper and their resulting shades. Pink gold contains the least amount of copper, followed by rose gold while red gold containing the highest amount of copper. As you can imagine, red gold, with its greater quantity of copper, will be “rosier” than blends with smaller amounts of copper.

The following is a breakdown of the most common blends of rose gold:

18K Red gold: 75% gold, 25% copper

18K Rose gold: 75% gold, 22.25% copper, 2.75% silver

18K Pink gold: 75% gold, 20% copper, 5% silver

The precise amount of each alloy may vary depending on the manufacturer. 15% zinc may be added to copper alloys to alter the color, making it reddish yellow or dark yellow. Crown Gold refers to rose gold with the highest karat of yellow gold (at 22kt).

Will you be indulging in the rose gold trend?

Photos: Barbara Michelle Jacobs Jewelry

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