A Brief Guide to Rose Gold Jewelry

What is Rose Gold?

Rose gold is a gold alloy. This means the gold used to make the jewelry is mixed with other metals, mainly copper. Copper is the element that gives rose gold jewelry its rose gold color.

In this post, we'll briefly cover these topics:

• The different karats of rose gold jewelry.
• The different types of rose gold jewelry.
• Rose gold jewelry and your skin.
• How long rose gold jewelry lasts.

Karat Levels of Rose Gold Jewelry

There are three main metal ratios that are used to make rose gold jewelry:

• 18k rose gold consists of 75% gold and 25% copper.
• 14k rose gold consists of 58.3% gold and 41.7% copper.
• 10k rose gold consists of 41.7% gold and 58.3% copper.

18k rose gold jewelry jewelry has a lighter, more yellowish appearance than 14k and 10k rose gold. This is because it contains more yellow gold and less copper.

In comparison, 14k and 10k rose gold jewelry has a more dark and defined rose gold color because it contains less yellow gold and more copper.

Types of Rose Gold Jewelry

1. Solid Rose Gold Jewelry

Solid rose gold jewelry is made entirely of rose gold. This means there is no base metal. It's rose gold all the way through.

This is the most expensive type of rose gold jewelry. It can set you back thousands of dollars.

That's why a lot of people opt for a different type of rose gold jewelry that costs much less but still gives you a similar (if not the same) look and feel of solid rose gold.

2. Rose Gold Vermeil Jewelry

Rose gold vermeil jewelry has a thick layer of rose gold over a sterling silver base metal.

To be considered rose gold vermeil, the jewelry must meet the following criteria:

• The base metal must be at least 92.5% sterling silver.
• The rose gold purity level must be 10 karats.
• The rose gold plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick.

Rose gold vermeil is much less expensive than solid rose gold, but it will still set you back around $200.

3. Rose Gold Plated Jewelry

Rose gold plated jewelry has a layer of rose gold that is either electroplated or PVD plated over a base metal, such as copper or brass.

Rose gold plated jewelry gives you the look and feel of solid rose gold jewelry without spending a small fortune. You can find pieces anywhere from $30 to $100.

Does Rose Gold Jewelry Irritate Skin?

Rose gold jewelry gets its rose gold color from the copper that's mixed with the gold.

Sometimes, when the copper is combined with the acidity of your skin, it can cause skin irritation. This has a higher chance of happening if you have sensitive skin or any metal allergies.

But if this does happen, it doesn't mean the jewelry is bad quality. It's just a hazard that comes with wearing rose gold jewelry.

How Long Does Rose Gold Jewelry Last?

Solid rose gold jewelry can last up to a lifetime.

Rose gold vermeil and rose gold plated jewelry can last anywhere from one year to five years depending on how often you wear it and how well you take care of it.

To Sum Up

• Rose gold is a gold alloy made from gold and copper. Copper gives rose gold jewelry its rose gold color.

• There are varying karat levels of rose gold jewelry. The most common are 18k, 14k, and 10k. Jewelry made with 14k and 10k rose gold have a more distinct rose gold color due to containing more copper and less yellow gold.

• The copper in rose gold jewelry can cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or metal allergies. If this does happen, it doesn't mean the jewelry is of bad quality. It's simply a risk of wearing rose gold jewelry.

• Solid rose gold jewelry can last a lifetime. Rose gold vermeil and rose gold plated jewelry can last anywhere from one to five years. We recommend reading our jewelry maintenance guide that explains the four tips for maintaining your plated jewelry.