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In the last few years, rose gold has become a more popular metal option for engagement rings and wedding bands. The pretty pinkish-gold color manages to feel both slightly vintage and trendy at the same time, and it gives any ring a romantic, soft look that you don’t always get with the classic metal choices of platinum, yellow gold, or white gold.
What Is Rose Gold?
Rose gold is a blend, or an alloy, of gold, copper, and silver. Its signature rose tint comes from the copper and can also be referred to as pink gold or red gold.
“Rose gold symbolizes true love, which makes it a perfect choice for engagement or wedding rings, especially in combination with a diamond, which we all know is forever,” says jeweler Azra Mehdi.
Meet the Expert
Azra Mehdi is the founder of Au Xchange, a jeweler specializing in fine gold jewelry.
One of the first well-known users of the metal—which was formerly known as “Russian gold”—was czar jeweler Carl Fabergé, who used it in his famous Fabergé eggs in the nineteenth century. Mehdi explains, “Rose gold’s popularity vacillated over the next few decades and had a major comeback when Cartier created the famous Cartier Trinity ring in 1924 for the famous French writer, artist, filmmaker, and playwright, Jean Cocteau.”
Considering a rose gold wedding band for yourself? Take a look at these 35 baubles on the market right now.
What to Look for When Buying a Rose Gold Wedding Band
Durability
While rose gold is usually an aesthetic choice, it is important to consider its durability since it will be worn everyday. In general, rose gold is durable and strong, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. Mehdi notes that it’s more durable than other gold variations because of all of the copper, which is an extremely strong metal. Although rose gold is durable, keep in mind that is does scratch easier than other metals. “White gold’s rhodium plating gives it an extra level of protection compared to yellow or rose gold, both of which derive their hues from the alloys’ mix of their component metals, rather than plating.”
Timelessness
Mehdi points out, rose gold is viewed as more of a trend and has gone in and out of popularity many times. Many worry that rose gold isn’t quite as timeless and classic as other gold options, and for something you plan to wear for many years, this could definitely be cause for concern. It is important to pick a timeless style that you will love in years to come.
Diamond Shape
The diamond is just as, if not more, important than the band that holds it. This means that it’s crucial to consider what type of diamond you are getting with your band. Step diamonds (such as emerald or asscher cut) should generally be avoided with rose gold bands. Diamonds of this cut draw light from the bottom of the diamond, so a rose gold band could make a colorless diamond have a rosy tint.