Rose gold is made from a mixture of gold, copper and silver, is particularly durable, and noted for its soft rosy colour. Rose gold’s colour is because of the copper, and the more copper used, the rosier the ring. A higher karat ring has a higher percentage of gold, and an 18kg ring, for example, will be a softer pink, while a 14k ring will be a deeper shade of red.
While pure 24 carat gold may have a more famous name, it’s too soft to be crafted into jewellery such as engagement rings, so other alloys are added to gold. Traditionally, rose gold has not been as widely available as yellow or white gold rings, but rose gold is growing in prominence. Rose gold is also used in fashion, technology and interior design. In addition to people choosing rose gold for their engagement ring, it sometimes plays a wider part in weddings, featuring on bridal gowns, in wedding day décor, and in other jewellery such as wedding bands.
The history of rose gold
Despite the popularity of rose gold today, combining gold with copper isn’t a new phenomenon. Rose gold first appeared in the early 19th century and became popular among society’s elite. The Russian jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé incorporated rose gold into jewellery and his Fabergé eggs, a type of jewelled egg. (As an aside, Fabergé played a role in establishing the tradition of Easter eggs, with the Empress of Russia, Maria Feodorovna, so delighted with a Fabergé egg one Easter that she requested an egg be made for her each year.)
As engagement rings, rose gold was first a popular choice in the 1920s. Its popularity has risen and waned, with trendsetters in recent years bringing rose gold back into focus. Its distinctive appearance first captured the hearts of those elites in Russia, and its appeal spread throughout the Victorian era, before the Art Deco period expanded the styles in which gold was used. White gold and platinum then became more popular, and rose gold was more of a niche choice until its surge in popularity during this century.
Why is rose gold suited for engagement rings?
As noted, higher karat golds are too soft for engagement rings, and rose gold is made of a more suitable mixture. Rose gold’s malleability means that it can be shaped into various forms, and so a variety of rings are available. The durability of rose gold is also appealing. In terms of appearance, rose gold rings are flattering to all skin tones and are eye-catching choices for engagement rings. A wide range of options are available to customers who shop for rose gold engagement rings from sites like Best Brilliance.
Choosing an engagement ring is a personal choice, but you might also like rose gold for its antique appeal. Its distinct and vintage appearance can make for particularly striking designs. The romantic connotations of rose gold are another reason it’s a popular choice for engagement rings. Additionally, it is particularly versatile, pairing well with other metals and gemstones of various kinds, opening up a wide range of possible designs.
Rose gold rings can feature different types of diamond centerpieces, including those round cut, princess cut, Asscher cut, and those in the centre of a halo of smaller diamonds. As mentioned, rose gold rings have different gold contents and shades. A 14k rose gold ring will have a gold content approaching 60%, while 18k rings are 75% gold. The shade of pink or rose comes down to personal preference, with rose gold rings of all varieties generally seen as having a romantic appearance.
An additional consideration may be an engagement ring’s hypoallergenic properties. While those with copper allergies should be cautious of rose gold, it is safe for those who want to avoid nickel (which is often found in white gold).
In recent years, more celebrities are proposing with rose gold rings. Actor Ryan Reynolds chose a rose gold engagement ring with a pink oval cut diamond for his fiancé (and wife since 2012), actress Blake Lively. Fellow actors Dave Franco and Alison Brie have been married since 2017, and Brie’s engagement ring featured a round cut diamond set in rose gold. Former tennis player Maria Sharapova sported a bolder rose gold ring with a large central emerald-cut diamond. Businessman Alexander Gilkes chose Sharapova in 2020. Featuring a more traditional round centrepiece, singer and actress Mandy Moore’s ring was also made from rose gold.
More celebrities choosing rose gold has played a part in its rising popularity, and has shown the range of designs available, from elegant rings featuring more subtle and intricate detailing, to stunning rings that star larger diamonds. Diamonds on rose gold rings are sometimes complemented by smaller diamonds, although some prefer more classic, simple designs.
Younger generations have shown a particular affinity to rose gold, seeing its warm hue as an appealing alternative to more traditional golds and platinum. With film, sports and music stars sporting rose gold rings, rose gold’s popularity shows no signs of wavering.
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