Gold vs Rose Gold: Which is better?

Gold is the number one jewelry metal that comes to mind during the wedding season!

For centuries, yellow gold wedding rings have been the symbol of everlasting unions through history.

Today, we have more style options than before. One of the foremost alternatives with increasing popularity is rose gold.

• Is rose gold real?
• Is rose gold expensive than gold?
• Is rose gold solid or plated?

These are just 3 of the frequent questions people ask about rose gold.

Rose gold is an alloy yellow gold and copper. Copper gives it a pink, rosy color. It also makes it harder and more durable for jewelry. There are many karat options: 10k, 14k and 18k rose gold being the most popular ones. The latter has 75% gold purity in its composition. 100% pure or 24k rose gold does not exist.

Here are the top facts about rose gold and tips to help you make the best-informed decision for your personal preference.

Rose gold is real gold

Rose gold presents a trendy alternative to the traditional color of gold.

It is made of real genuine yellow gold.

In its purest form, gold is too soft for jewelry and other daily items. Thus, it has to be made into alloys.

The most popular gold colors are yellow, white and pink.

Rose gold is a gold copper alloy. In some versions, goldsmiths can also add silver and zinc to fine tune the color

The addition of copper increases strength and durability, making it perfect for everyday wear.

Just as with yellow gold, the purity levels are measured in karats.

The most popular karat values are 10k, 14k and 18k. These have 41.7%, 58.3% and 75% gold content, respectively.

By definition, it is not possible to have 100% pure pink gold as it is an alloy which has to include other metals.

Is rose gold natural? Who found rose gold?

Color of gold deposits found in nature is yellow. Rose gold is a man-made alloy of it.

Rose gold was first discovered in the 1800s in Russia. This is where the name “Russian Gold” comes from. The copper content was increased over time to create a pinkish hue which is now associated with rose gold jewelry.

Pink gold has become popular because it is considered more feminine than traditional yellow or white gold rings. Some people also associate this color with luxury and high-end products.

How can you tell if rose gold is real?

The world of gold can be incredibly confusing. Between yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, rhodium plating and all the different karat values, it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting when you purchase a piece.

The thing is that many people do not realize that all these different colors are in fact real gold.

Probably, the confusion comes from a totally different side of jewelry: gemstones. Diamond is the hardest precious gem, which is highly desired for its shine and brilliance.

Unfortunately, it does not have the most affordable price tag. Thus, there are many pieces with diamond substitutes, stones offering similar appearances fitting every style, and budget.

These are not diamonds but cheaper alternatives like moissanite, white sapphire, cubic zirconia or white topaz.

Probably, some buyers are mistaking any gold with a different color than yellow, as not gold.

However, as said before, rose gold is real gold.

But, how can we tell its authenticity?

The first check point should be price. If it is suspiciously cheaper than similar karat designs, there might be something fishy.

The second control should be the hallmark, showing its karat value. Don’t miss it. You should find inside the jewelry.

A third criteria could be a discrepancy between the karat and color levels. The pink color comes from copper and should increase with its percentage.

So, 10k rose gold ring should have a darker tone than a 18k or 20k one. Compare it with a piece which has the karat value you know for sure.

Lastly, if a ring or bracelet shows abnormal oxidation and tarnish like discoloring, it might not be genuine real rose gold.

Is white gold more valuable than rose gold?

White gold is a popular metal alloy which may include white metals like zinc, silver and palladium.

These additions give the mixture a whitish color and contribute to a more durable material.

Many times, white gold pieces are finished with rhodium plating.

This layer protects the core and gives it a uniform look while increasing its luster

Rose gold includes copper, which is a cheap base metal.

On the other hand, white gold may include silver or palladium, which are both precious metals.

Moreover, rhodium is an expensive metal. It can be traded even higher than gold.

When we add up ingredients, we see that they cost much more than copper.

So, it is normal for a comparable 14k rhodium plated white gold jewelry to be more expensive than a 14k rose gold jewelry.

Is rose gold solid or plated?

Rose gold jewelry is solid. But there is rose gold-plated jewelry too.

These are not the same.

Gold-plated jewelry is an affordable alternative to solid gold pieces.

These are cheaper metal bases like brass or bronze, with a rose gold layer on top.

Gold is hypoallergenic, what about rose gold?

Gold is a hypoallergenic metal in its pure state.

But when other metals enter the scene, things might change.

Copper is the second most important ingredient in rose gold.

For a small portion of the population with sensitive skin, who is allergic to copper, this might be a problem.

However, if any, irritations may occur, probably from other metals, like trace amounts of nickel.

Nickel is the main culprit in skin allergies.

Choose quality jewelry pieces which are nickel-free to remain safe from allergic reactions.

Check this post on 14k vs 18k rose gold to find out which one is better for sensitive skin.

Does rose gold tarnish?

Rose gold jewelry does not tarnish, like sterling silver or zinc.

It does not corrode. It is a durable alloy ready to serve you for many years.

However, rose gold may change color with time.

Does gold or rose gold look better?

Would you like a diamond ring in which the metal shadows the gem with its shine and brightness?

Of course not!

The same goes for your skin tone and gold earring or rose gold ring.

If the ring blends closely with your skin, it will become invisible, which is not what you’d want.

For pale skins and dark skin types, rose gold is a good choice.

But, if your skin color is close to a rosy ring, switching to yellow or white gold might be a good idea.

Make sure there is a significant contrast between your skin and the jewelry piece.

The verdict: Is rose gold or gold better?

Both yellow gold and rose gold are real gold.

They are fruits of the same precious metal with different flavors.

Yellow gold jewelry is closer to the natural color of reddish yellow.

While rose gold brings a pinky appearance thanks to copper in its mixture.

It is an alloy of gold with copper, offering a distinct shiny luster.

Other than this color difference, they are very similar.

It is durable enough to be your choice for engagement rings and become part of your family heirloom to serve generations ahead.

Just as in other types, percentage of gold increases with karat values. With the increasing amounts of gold used, prices will follow too.

For example, 18k rose gold necklace will cost more than a 14k gold one.

When compared to white gold, rose gold may be a cheaper as rhodium plated white gold is composed of more expensive metals like silver, palladium and rhodium, on the exterior.

This plating also increases the hypoallergenic properties of white gold, as long as it remains intact, of course.

When we weight the pros and cons of rose gold, the high copper content increasing allergy risk is the only significant one. In other words, when actual gold content decreases skin allergy risks rise.

Yet, if copper plays well with your skin, you are good to go.

If you have unease, then you might check alternatives like white gold, palladium or platinum rings.

Russian gold jewelry goes especially well with cool and dark skin tones, helping your bling pop even more. If your skin color is between, again whitish jewelry metals may stand out better.

In the end, the answer between rose gold and yellow gold will come to your personal preference and fashion style.

If pink color jewelry does win your heart, make sure it has high karat value and is made of nickel-free quality copper.