6 Key Features and Strengths of Rose Gold Engagement Rings

When choosing an engagement ring, the metal of choice tends to be an afterthought to the emphasis that is placed on the type, colour and cut of the gemstone. This need not always be so. For depending on your expectations: with respect to ring design, the compatibility of your ring and your skin tone, and even the kind of lifestyle that you wish to follow, whilst wearing your ring. The metal of choice, and by extension, its colour will have a bearing on your decisions. For when it comes to picking a quality engagement ring the metal of choice affects many aspects of the ring’s quality, character and value. So when it comes to a rose gold engagement ring, it brings with it, its own set of qualities. Here we explain seven key factors that you must consider when shopping for rose gold engagement rings.

1. A Short History of Rose Gold Engagement Rings 

The earliest usage of rose gold is believed to have started in was first used in Russia. In the early part of the 19th century by the jeweller Carl Faberge: a pioneering craftsman, who introduced new techniques and add to the art of jewellery crafting. Best known for his infamous Faberge Eggs. Rose gold, is also known as Russian Gold. And its use spread to other parts of the world. Gaining popularity in the United States during the economic boom period of the 1920s. Soon becoming a notable addition to fine jewellery. Including engagement rings.

The global popularity of rose gold as the precious metal of choice was driven by Cartier: The world-class French jeweller. Who owing to its wide reach and high recognition, including among monarchs, helped popularize rose gold, as a fine addition to jewellery. That when combined with precious gemstones and diamonds, became a luxurious option.

2. The Qualities of the Rose Gold Metal

Rose gold is a type of metal that is derived by combining gold with the copper alloy. Which, in addition to giving it its rose colour, also strengthens the metal. In some instances, metals such as palladium and zinc are also added. The key feature of a rose gold metal is its colour. The pinkish hue adds a romantic shade, making it a worthy choice of metal for jewellery. Since gold is too delicate as a metal to be made into jewellery, it is often mixed with other metals, such as nickel, which can alter the shade and strength of this precious metal.

Rose gold is a great option for engagement rings. For like any gold jewellery, these rings are built by combining gold with other metals. The quality of the gold jewellery is determined by the percentage of other metals that are added to it. The main options when it comes to gold jewellery is the choice between 14K and 18K options. 14K gold contains about 58 per cent pure gold, with the remaining 42 per cent made up of various alloys of metals such as copper and nickel. In the 18K variant, the percentages are 75 per cent pure gold, with the rest 25 per cent taken up other alloys. This same gold level combination applies to rose gold engagement rings as well.

Unsurprisingly a key factor that drives people to choose this type of metal is its unique colour. Since rose gold engagement rings come with a warm, pinkish shade, its metal tone is a good option for those with warm or cool skin tones. As they provide a good midway point when it comes to picking a suitable colour for your skin tone. A safe option for those who are uncertain about metal of choice. For yellow and white gold, along with platinum and silver provide the extremes of colour.

3. A Precious Metal that Combines well with Precious Stones

When it comes to colour and precious stone combinations, rose gold engagement rings enable countless options. Owing to their unique colour gamut which can accommodate the colour range of virtually any precious stone. Hence are an optimal choice for those who are seeking variety in their choice of engagement ring.

Diamonds

Diamonds are the top choice of precious stones when it comes to engagement rings. And diamonds, unless we are talking about coloured diamonds, tend to be colourless. With varying levels of warmth to their shade. Rose gold engagement rings are a great option, for their light, but warm tone combines well the uniform colour of these precious stones. Further, if you are looking for a diamond that falls into a warmer (and relatively cheaper) grading level (e.g. N-T scale), then the deeper colour of the rose gold engagement ring, will help mask the diamond's colour, combining to give a greater sense of luxury.

Other Precious Stones

Whilst diamonds are the top precious stone of choice when picking an engagement ring, there are other very good options that are worth considering. Rubies, pink and yellow sapphires, and other gemstone varieties combine well this colour tones of rose gold. These precious stones, owing to their similar colour gamuts combine well this type of metal. Which in turn works to accentuate the glow of the precious stone.

For example, when you combine rose gold metal with a brilliant-cut pink sapphire, you have an unbeatable combination in terms of colour, attractiveness and value. The pink glow of the sapphire is further strengthened by the rose sheen of the rose gold metal. Another great option is the yellow sapphire stone. That with its warm glow, it's capacity to provide that glittering light effect, is supplemented well by the soft metallic glow of the rose gold metal.

If you’re looking for a semi-precious alternative, then a rose gold ring with an amethyst stone could be an unbeatable option. The wonderful purple of the gemstone is elevated by the warmth of the rose gold metal, adding a comforting elegance. In fact, the soft lure of the rose gold will balance the effects of the semi-precious stone, adding a sense of glow to your engagement ring.

4. Rose Gold is More Durable in Contrast to Other Metals

Whilst platinum is the strongest metal of choice when it comes to making durable jewellery, rose gold engagement rings are also a great option when it comes to the same expectations. Owing to the effects of copper, that brings about the rose colour, which is found in a much higher percentage in this type of metal. As noted, gold is a delicate metal, so the addition of other metals and alloys are meant to make it stronger and increase its durability. Copper, unlike other metal additions, strengthens gold even further, hence tend to be stronger than their white gold alternatives.

Rose gold engagement rings, when it comes to maintenance are a solid option, once again owing to the effects of copper. The presence of this alloy in higher percentages prevents the ring from tarnishing. And in time, the copper produces a layer known as a patina, which acts as a protective sheet for the metal below. Whilst some might dislike this layer and the shade that comes with it (which can be removed by your jeweller if needed). However, when it comes to durability and enduring quality of the metal, rose gold engagement rings are a solid option.

18K vs 14K

However when it comes to rose gold engagement rings, going with the 18K, or 14K options brings with it, its own set of pros and cons. The 14K is considered the more durable of the two since it has a higher copper alloy percentage. Which makes it stronger, and less prone to scratches and a lower chance of bending. In addition to giving it a more pinkish shade, which may be desired by the wearer. For oftentimes the choice of rose gold engagement rings simply comes down to the colour. The person seeking an engagement ring for his partner would have learnt that she prefers this colour in metal. So a stronger tone of rose, and hence a 14K version is the more preferable choice. Further, 14K rose gold engagement rings, like all 14K gold options, come with a more competitive price, owing to the lower gold content.

The 18K rose gold option is also a great choice for engagement rings, due to the higher gold content, these engagement rings are less likely to suffer from copper oxidization, that may affect its colour. So for those who wish to maintain the ring’s unique coloured glow, for a longer period of time, this is the choice to go.

5. Better Value than Platinum Rings

For the cost-conscious, but who don’t wish to sacrifice style, rose gold engagement rings are a great choice. Especially when paired with a well-cut precious stone. In contrast to platinum options, rose gold engagement rings provide more value for money, and combined with the growing popularity for rose gold jewellery, the choice of rose gold engagement rings will prove to be trendy. A key factor to consider in choosing a rose gold engagement ring is the choice of precious stone. The cost saving on the metal of choice might help you to choose a brilliant-cut diamond, to combine with your rose gold engagement ring. A stunning combination.

Rose gold engagement rings, will also work well with diamonds that are not top grade in the colour scales: The K-M range of diamonds is a solid match for rose gold engagement rings. Owing to the warmth of the pinkish glow that comes from this precious metal, one can opt for a less colourless and less pricey alternative. So there you have it. With rose gold engagement rings you have the glow, elegance, range of options, and cost-effectiveness, what more can you ask for.

6. Rose Gold- Trends to Watch

Over the decades the popularity of rose gold has fluctuated. With its popularity dictated by shifts in fashion and its adoption by celebrities. However, rose gold, today has attained a new level of acceptance. For it is no longer jewellery that is driving the demand for rose gold. This particular colour is increasing to see wider applications. From electronic devices (iPhone 6s), rose gold-coloured cars (Seat’s Ibiza), and speaking of engagement rings, rose gold is now becoming an increasingly desirable choice when it comes to wedding themes. You know, wedding planners actually sell their projects, that come with a select colour them. And rose gold, as in jewellery, is now becoming an increasingly popular choice.

So if you’re thinking of going for a rose gold engagement ring, you have a number of positive things to consider. You have a great colour of choice that fits well with your skin tone. One that combines well with all precocious stones. And now, given the trends, it is one which is likely to match with a host of other additions. From your choice of phone, your car, and when it comes to it, your choice of (or your fiance’s) colour for your wedding theme. It is tough to go wrong with rose gold.