Rose gold is a popular trendy color that has been gaining popularity in recent years. But what exactly is rose gold and what makes this pinkish metallic hue so unique? In this article, we’ll explore the origins and chemical composition of rose gold to uncover what gives this color its distinctive look.
What is Rose Gold?
Rose gold, also known as pink gold or red gold, is a gold alloy containing a higher percentage of copper than traditional yellow gold. The higher copper content gives rose gold its distinctive reddish-pink hue. Unlike pure yellow gold which contains little to no copper, rose gold typically contains anywhere from 20-50% copper along with gold and sometimes silver or zinc.
The term “rose gold” didn’t come into use until the 19th century, but reddish gold alloys were used by ancient civilizations. The earliest known production of rose gold occurred in ancient China where it was created by alloying gold with copper. In the Americas, pre-Columbian civilizations like the Zapotecs similarly created red gold alloys.
When it was rediscovered and popularized in the 19th century, rose gold was sometimes referred to as Russian gold, as Russia was a major producer of rose gold jewelry. Today rose gold is prized for its warm, vintage look and can be found in everything from jewelry to electronics.
How is Rose Gold Made?
Rose gold is made through the alloying process of mixing together pure 24 karat yellow gold with copper and sometimes small amounts of silver, zinc, or another metal. The most common mixtures used to create rose gold are:
- 75% gold, 22.25% copper, 2.75% silver
- 75% gold, 25% copper
- 50% gold, 50% copper
The gold percentage is typically at least 75% to be considered true rose gold, although lower gold content alloys are sometimes used as well. The key to achieving that signature rose gold hue is the high copper content, which reduces the yellowness of pure gold.
The exact mixture of metals impacts the final shade, with higher copper levels resulting in a more reddish pink. Silver is occasionally added to rose gold alloys to achieve an even warmer, more pink tone.
Types of Rose Gold Alloys
There are several types of rose gold metal alloys as classified by gold karatage:
18K Rose Gold
18K rose gold contains 75% pure gold by weight and is the most common type used in fine jewelry. With a high gold content, 18K rose gold is more valuable and durable than lower karatages. It has a beautiful true rose gold color.
14K Rose Gold
14K rose gold contains 58.3% pure gold by weight with more copper alloyed in to achieve a redder hue. 14K rose gold is more affordable than 18K with excellent durability.
12K Rose Gold
12K rose gold has a gold content of 50% and is much redder in color. It’s significantly less expensive than higher karat rose golds.
9K Rose Gold
9K rose gold has 37.5% pure gold content, creating a deeper, almost coppery red-pink color. It’s the most affordable karatage for rose gold.
| Karat | Gold Content |
|---|---|
| 24K | 100% pure gold |
| 18K | 75% gold |
| 14K | 58.3% gold |
| 12K | 50% gold |
| 9K | 37.5% gold |
How Copper Impacts Rose Gold Color
The color of rose gold depends almost entirely on its copper content. Copper has a warm reddish-orange tone which counters the yellowness of pure gold. More copper yields a redder rose gold, while less copper results in a more subtle pink hue.
The highest copper content found in 12K or 9K rose gold creates a deep red color. 18K rose gold with around 20-25% copper has a brilliant metallic pink tone. 14K rose gold with 35-40% copper strikes the balance with its beautiful pinkish-orange color.
Silver is sometimes added to 18K rose gold alloys in small amounts like 2.75%. While it doesn’t alter the color as significantly as copper, silver can lend a slightly warmer or more pink effect to the hue.
The color of rose gold can also be impacted by oxidation over time. Exposure to air can cause the copper in rose gold alloys to oxidize, darkening the metal. Gentle polishing returns rose gold to its original pink luster.
Benefits of Rose Gold
Beyond its aesthetically pleasing hue, rose gold has additional benefits that have contributed to its surge in popularity:
- Unique color – The warm pink tone offers an appealing alternative to conventional yellow or white metals.
- Trendiness – Rose gold has been popping up across industries from technology to fashion.
- Romantic associations – Its pinkish hue has feminine and romantic connotations.
- Compliments skin tones – The rosy color is flattering with a range of skin tones from fair to darker.
- Durability – Rose gold alloys maintain gold’s resistance to tarnish and corrosion.
From jewelry to mobile phones, rose gold’s stylish color has broad appeal. It offers a unique finish that provides depth and warmth to designs across industries.
Rose Gold vs White Gold
Rose gold and white gold represent two different interpretations of traditional yellow gold. So how do they compare?
Composition
– Rose gold contains 20-50% copper along with gold.
– White gold contains nickel, silver, palladium, or manganese to counter gold’s yellow color.
Color
– Rose gold is a pinkish hue due to its copper content.
– White gold has a silver-white appearance from alloyed metals like nickel and silver.
Maintenance
– Rose gold is somewhat prone to oxidation but easy to polish.
– White gold stays bright longer but requires occasional replating to maintain its color.
Price
– Rose gold is generally equal to or slightly less expensive than an equivalent karat white gold.
– Labor costs for white gold can be higher when replating is needed.
Popularity
– Interest in rose gold surged in the 2010s.
– White gold became widely popular as an alternative to yellow gold in the 1950s.
While white gold has a more futuristic vibe, rose gold offers a vintage romance. Both continue to be sought after precious metals!
Conclusion
Rose gold gets its distinctive pinkish-red color from its high copper content, ranging from 20-50% in typical rose gold alloys. The remaining portion comes from gold, with silver sometimes added for warmth. Varying the metals, especially the amount of copper, impacts the exact hue from a subtle champagne pink to a more saturated coppery red. This combination of gold with copper and silver creates a durable, romantic metal that adds a unique touch to jewelry, fashion accessories, electronics, and more. The rosy pink color flatters a variety of skin tones for timeless appeal. Next time you see something rose gold, you’ll know it’s the copper giving it that beautiful blush.
