What is Rose Gold? Rose Gold is an alloy of Gold that is rosy pink in colour. This is du to its being generally a mix of pure Gold with Copper, and sometimes also Silver. The combination of pure Gold with Copper creates the warm pink colour. The process of mixing Gold with Copper can be traced back as far as Ancient Greek and Roman times, there being mention in ancient writings, as well as later in the Middle Ages. The Copper in those times contained some impurities, however, and the result was a much darker, more red Gold.
The use of the Rose Gold alloy in a purer form is also believed to have originated in Russia. In the 19th century Russia Carl Faberge created very ornate items for the Russian Czars. Faberge is of course known for the Faberge Eggs that are priceless today. The pink gold colour became popular with jewellers around the world. The Copper and Gold mix was first called Russian Gold, later becoming known as Rose Gold. Cartier in particular incorporated this alloy in their jewellery designs.
During the Wall Street crash of 1929 Gold used in the jewellery making business became too precious to use. Platinum became more obtainable. However, during World War II Platinum was considered more suited as a material for use in the War, and Gold in its form of White Gold as well as Rose Gold was brought back as being more easily found for jewellery and other fine items.
The Royal Mint has used Rose Gold to create modern Rose Gold Sovereigns, especially during the latter part of the 20th century. However, the last Rose Gold Sovereign is being struck during the current 2025.
Rose Gold is very distinctive due to its colour. Jewellery made with Rose Gold has become increasingly popular over the past few years. The higher the carat amount of Gold, the more pure Gold the mix contains, as with other alloy mixes. The combination of pure Gold with the Copper means that the resulting Rose Gold is much stronger. Pure Gold is very soft and easily bent or damaged, especially with jewellery items. The higher the Gold content the softer the metal. The most popular combination is 75% pure Gold to 25% Copper.
Rose Gold is thus a very hard wearing and long-lasting metal. It does not tarnish but the rose pink colour can darken over time, due to the Copper content. Copper is also a very durable metal, often used in manufacture of electrical conductors.
The colour of Rose Gold means it goes well with coloured precious or semi-precious stones, and even Amber set in Rose Gold is stunning. Jewellery made with Rose Gold is very versatile as it looks fine with Silver and Gold. Rose Gold is popular with young people today, being used in wedding jewellery, engagement and wedding rings, as less traditional Rose Gold is also said to symbolise elegance and love, the colour itself being seen as a colour of love. It also suits every skin tone, dark or light.
Rose Gold is being used in Watch making today, and even in making iPhone casings.
We are looking to purchase any Rose Gold jewellery or other items that you may have, either unwanted or even damaged or broken. Please get in touch with us to discuss even the smallest items, either by phone or send for one of our Seller’s envelopes. We can even arrange to visit you in your own home if this is preferable.
