What Is Rose Gold?
Rose gold engagement rings are more than a trend. They offer warmth, romance, and timeless beauty in one elegant package. But what makes rose gold different from other types of gold?
Rose gold is an alloy. All gold used in fine jewelry is actually an alloy, or a mix of gold with other metals. That’s how we get different colors and strengths (karats). Rose gold combines pure gold with copper and sometimes silver. This blend gives rose gold its distinctive pink or reddish hue. The higher the copper content, the more pronounced the pink color. As the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains, “The distinctive blush of rose gold is achieved through a careful blend of pure gold with copper alloys.”
Sometimes people ask “Is rose gold real gold?” Yes, rose gold is real gold. It’s pure gold mixed with small percentages of other metals, making it a gold alloy, just like yellow gold and white gold. The next question people ask is normally, “Why don’t we use pure gold in jewelry?” Pure gold (or 24k gold) is soft. Its so soft you can actually dent it with your teeth. High karat gold like 22k is used sometimes for its rich almost-orange color on occasional pieces like ceremonial jewelry or pieces that aren’t worn very often, but pure gold and high karat gold is too soft for everyday wear, especially for engagement rings. Gold alloys like 14k and 18k gold are strong enough to withstand daily wear.
Rose Gold vs White Gold vs Yellow Gold
When it comes to engagement rings, most people choose from three types of gold: yellow, white, or rose (or, of course, platinum). The differences come from what metals are mixed with the gold.
Yellow gold combines gold with copper and silver, keeping the classic golden look. White gold is mixed with metals like nickel or palladium and is usually coated in rhodium to make it shine bright. Rose gold is a mix of gold and copper, giving it that soft, reddish-pink tone.
If you’re comparing 14k vs 18k rose gold for an engagement ring, the difference is mostly in color, purity, and durability. 18k rose gold has more gold, so the color is softer and less pink. It feels rich and luxurious but is a bit more delicate. 14k rose gold contains more copper, so it has a brighter pink color and is tougher for everyday wear.
Types of Rose Gold
| Type | Gold | Silver | Copper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22K Rose Gold | 91.7% | 0% | 8.4% |
| 18K Rose Gold | 75% | 9.2% | 22.2% |
| 14K Rose Gold | 58.3% | 9.2% | 32.5% |
| 10K Rose Gold | 41.7% | 20% | 38.3% |
| 9K Rose Gold | 37.5% | 20% | 42.5% |
Types of Yellow Gold
| Type | Gold | Alloyed Metals |
|---|---|---|
| 24K Gold | 100% | 0% |
| 22K Gold | 92% | 8% |
| 18K Gold | 75% | 25% |
| 14K Gold | 58% | 42% |
Why Are Some Rose Golds Pinker Than Others?
Not all rose gold is the same shade. The pinkness comes from how much copper is in the alloy. More copper means a deeper, more noticeable pink.
18k rose gold has a softer, rosier glow since it contains more pure gold and less pink copper. 14k is a bit brighter and more vibrant, because it has even more pink copper and less gold. 10k has the highest copper content and lowest amount of gold, which gives it a bold pink tone, but it contains less gold overall.
Fine jewelry is usually made with 14k or 18k rose gold. These blends give you a good balance of color, quality, and strength.
The Vintage Charm of Rose Gold
Rose gold didn’t start as a fashion trend. It was originally called Russian gold, thanks to its early use in 19th-century Russia. The famous jeweler Carl Fabergé used it in his intricate creations, including the legendary Fabergé eggs.
Over time, the name changed, and rose gold found its way into vintage and Victorian-era jewelry. Its soft blush tone made it a perfect match for delicate, romantic designs. While yellow gold has always symbolized wealth and tradition, rose gold brings a different vibe—softer, more romantic, and a bit unexpected.
Vintage rose gold engagement rings are still popular today because they mix that old-world charm with modern design options.
Pros of Rose Gold
- Looks flattering on most skin colors.
Thanks to its mix of warm and neutral undertones, rose gold looks good on almost everyone. Whether your skin is cool or warm, it usually blends nicely. - A stronger metal thanks to copper.
Gold is soft, and copper can give gold its much-needed durability. According to GIA, “Due to its copper content, rose gold is stronger and more durable than yellow gold of the same karat.” - Looks awesome with warm-toned or cool-toned gemstones.
Some stones just look better in rose gold. Pink diamonds, pink tourmalines, and pink sapphires look beautiful in rose gold as do rubies and amethyst. There’s a beautiful harmony with rosey pinks, reds, and violets. Champagne and padparadscha sapphires look amazing in rose gold, too. - Bluish and greenish stones also look beautiful in rose gold—especially blue sapphires, Montana sapphires, blue opals, moonstones, and green tourmalines.
- A chic and feminine statement.
Rose gold elevates the entire feel of the ring, without adding too much drama. It’s a way to make a simple design feel more personalized. - Looks beautiful with modern and sculptural designs too.
Brushed rose gold is very chic, especially when incorporated into modern designs. It pairs beautifully with white gold and platinum. Two tone white gold and rose gold jewelry can be gorgeous, even for men’s rose gold wedding bands.
Cons of Rose Gold
- Some people have copper allergies, which would be activated by rose gold.
- Some people don’t like mixing metals, so it might be a big commitment to have a rose gold engagement ring every day if you don’t like the way it looks with other colors of jewelry.
- May not be as available as yellow gold or white gold—you may need to custom design a rose gold ring instead of finding it off the shelf.
Design a Custom Rose Gold Engagement Ring at Secrète Fine Jewelry
Step One: Schedule a Consultation
Start by booking an appointment in Washington DC or Bethesda. You’ll meet with a dedicated designer who will help you create your dream engagement ring or wedding band. Whether you bring heirloom stones, a sketch, or just inspiration, the process is flexible and entirely your own.
Design your engagement ring with Secrète
Step Two: Review Your Custom Designs
After your consultation, you’ll receive personalized sketches by email. Your designer will refine the artwork based on your feedback until it captures your vision.
Step Three: Choose Your Stones
You can supply your own heirloom stone or select from Secrète’s ethically sourced collection. They offer rare gems, unique cuts, and full transparency on every diamond or gemstone you choose.
Step Four: Handcrafted in the Local Workshop
Once you approve the final design, Secrète’s master jeweler will begin crafting your ring by hand in their Bethesda or DC studio. From wax carving to stone setting, every step is handled with care.
Step Five: The Final Presentation
When your ring is ready, you’ll receive it along with an official appraisal, any gem certificates, and a personal note from your designer. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your story, ready to wear and cherish.
Your engagement ring from Secrète will be a true reflection of your personal style and the love between you and your partner. Secrète Fine Jewelry believes in style over fashion, that is to say that form and substance transcend both time and trend. Secrète Fine Jewelry custom designs fine jewelry for people of style, engagement rings and wedding bands that will last for generations, not simply because of the mastery of the craftsmanship, but because they reflect something personal and meaningful. While each client may have a different aesthetic and point of view, Secrète’s bespoke services ensure that each piece of jewelry reflects the individual style of the one who will wear it, that each piece is formed with artistry, that each piece will reflect love beyond time.
