Rose gold took the UK by storm a few years ago after first gathering momentum as far back as 2012. Both the metal and the colour have certainly proven they have staying power and, in 2020, they show no signs of becoming any less popular.

So, let’s take a closer look at rose gold in this article and explore what it is and what makes it so popular.

What is rose gold?

Occasionally we’ll have a customer ask if rose gold is real gold. This is an understandable question when rose gold is such a unique colour, and still relatively ‘new’ in lots of peoples’ minds.

Rose gold is indeed real gold.

Yellow and white gold are alloys and rose gold is no exception to the rule. While 24-carat gold contains 99.9 per cent pure gold, gold with fewer carats (and therefore less pure gold) contains certain amounts of silver and copper.

For example, 9ct gold contains 37 per cent pure gold — whether it is to create yellow, white or rose gold. The silver and copper are included to improve workability and enhance or influence the colour of the final material.

18ct rose gold is made of 75 per cent pure gold, with 20 per cent copper and five per cent silver.

You may be wondering why all gold jewellery isn’t just made with pure gold. This is due to a combination of reasons; from cost to durability. Also, if that were the case, rose gold wouldn’t exist!

Is rose gold still in style?

Clogau 18ct Rose Gold Am Byth ring

When the shops were first filled with rose gold jewellery, clothes, and homeware a few years ago, I think many people assumed it was just a passing fad, like many fashions are.

However, rose gold is so pretty and such a popular alternative to yellow and white gold that it is undoubtedly here to stay.

It’s no surprise that rose gold has become a firm wedding décor favourite, too — not to mention a much-loved option for engagement rings and wedding rings.

Why is rose gold so popular?

Rose gold jewellery has a beautiful, warm and glamorous colour. A welcome alternative for some to traditional yellow gold and contemporary white gold, rose gold has become a firm favourite with customers both young and old.

Language tells us a lot, and words commonly used to describe rose gold include:

• Romantic
• Blush
• Pink
• Subtle

What happens to rose gold over time?

Due to the strength of copper and the amount of it used to create rose gold, this gold is comparatively the hardest (when compared to other golds of the same carat), so you can rest assured that your jewellery will last the distance.

Rose gold doesn’t tarnish and it ages very well. It responds excellently to regular cleaning and polishing, too.

Over the years, some rose gold can darken slightly. This process takes many years to begin, if at all,  and it is nothing to worry about; in fact, many people look forward to their jewellery reaching this slightly more lived-in stage.

What are the benefits of rose gold over other golds?

Roberto Coin 18ct Rose Gold Mother Of Pearl Princess Flower Diamond Necklace

Aside from it being attractive and durable, rose gold is a popular choice for both men’s and women’s jewellery because it complements all skin tones.

Also, rose gold is often a little less expensive than yellow or white gold due to the fact it contains more copper, which is the most affordable of the alloys that create gold.

Here at Robert Gatward Jewellers, we stock plenty of rose gold jewellery in 9ct and 18ct, from rings to watches; from earrings to necklaces. Browse our online store today and filter on the material.