My first memory of seeing rose gold was a tri gold leaf Black Hills Gold pendant that belonged to my Aunt. Even at the age of 8, I was mesmerized by the color of the rose gold leaf, and amazed that a gold existed that wasn’t yellow.
Then came the 70’s and the tri-gold chevron link Italian necklaces. We still see some of those items come in for repair! And over the decades, rose gold has jumped in and out of the jewelry spotlight – but it has always been considered a unique and special choice.
Chemistry
Modern rose gold is a durable soft pink color, but this gold alloy has not always been stable. Copper is the metal that combines with gold to give the signature rose color, and this color can fade with time and oxidation. Modern metallurgists have learned that using a small percentage of platinum, or its congener palladium, can stabilize the color - making modern rose gold watches and jewelry durable and resilient.
Design
Today’s rose gold designs are often available in white and yellow gold. Rose gold is such a soft color, and it seems to soften even more when worn. I have not seen a skin tone that didn’t work well with rose. In particular, timepieces seem to softly glow on the wrist in a way that makes yellow gold seem too bright and gaudy.
Wearability
While it’s fun to see the occasional ring or bangle stack with all three colors combined, my personal favorite is to wear only two. In my opinion, great combinations include:
- Wearing all white jewelry, including wedding rings, earstuds and diamond bracelet, and then adding one fabulous rose gold watch.
- Combining yellow and rose gold in stacking bangles and rings – such an edgy Italian style.
At one time, rose gold may have been considered a “fad” among jewelry lovers. But like its composition, it has proven to be a durable, classic choice in rings, bangles, earrings and watches. Today’s rose gold begins with Italian designers, and we have a beautiful selection in stack rings, engagement rings, pendants, bangles and earrings.
