Pros and Cons of Rose Gold Engagement Rings

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by Suzanne Sachs  5 min read

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THE BASICS --

Rose gold is an elegant, romantic choice for an engagement ring, but it isn’t necessarily perfect to showcase every couple’s promise to wed. Learning more about the pros and cons of rose gold engagement rings can help couples make the best choice, to ensure this most meaningful piece of jewelry remains as timeless as the love they share.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

  • What Is Rose Gold?
  • Pros Of Rose Gold Engagement Rings
  • Vintage Look
  • Durability
  • Increasing Popularity
  • Versatile
  • Romance
  • Price
  • Color Enhancement
  • Cons Of Rose Gold Engagement Rings
  • Trendiness
  • Blends With Pink Skin
  • Copper Allergies
  • Challenging Repairs
  • Color Changes
  • Choosing a Rose Gold Engagement Ring

    What Is Rose Gold?

    Pure gold is a very soft metal, easily warped and damaged. Because of this, gold jewelry is typically an alloy – blended with another metal – to strengthen the gold. When gold is blended with copper or a mixture of copper and silver, the result is rose gold with a distinct pink or reddish hue. The exact color will depend on the overall alloy percentages, with a greater amount of copper create a darker, more distinct reddish tone. If the gold has a very light hue it may be referred to as pink gold, while darker tones can be called red gold.

    Rose gold is measured in the same karat values as yellow gold. A pure gold ring with no other metals mixed in will be listed as 24-karat. An 18-karat gold is actually 75% gold and 25% other metals, and the karat value adjusts accordingly as the ratio of gold and other metals changes. Rose gold, because it requires copper to create the red tinge, can never be 24-karat.

    With its romantic hue and delicate coloring, rose gold is growing more popular for engagement rings, and couples should carefully investigate both good points and potential bad points of this luxurious metal as they consider engagement ring options.

    rose-gold-engagement-rings


    Pros Of Rose Gold Engagement Rings:

    Rose gold is popular for a reason, and it has many good points for couples to consider...

    • Vintage Look

    While there are many new rose gold rings being manufactured, they still have a romantic, vintage look. Rose gold engagement rings have been around for decades, however, and there are stunning antique and vintage rose gold rings that are also amazing choices for new engagement ring promises.

    pros-cons-rose-gold-engagement-rings

     

    • Durability

    Because copper is one of the hardest metals, the alloy of gold and copper that creates rose gold strengthens the ring and makes it much more resistant to nicks and scratches. This is especially important for an engagement ring, as rose gold can withstand daily wear so the ring can be worn nearly continuously.

    Dainty Old Mine Cut Rose Gold Diamond Engagement Ring with Heart Motif

    • Increasing Popularity

    Since rose gold jewelry is growing in popularity, that makes it easier than ever to find rose gold engagement ring designs, coordinating wedding bands, and other jewelry pieces. This gives couples many options to find and personalize their perfect engagement ring.

    Victorian Round Garnet and Rose Cut Diamond Ring Circa 1900's

    • Versatile

    Since rose gold jewelry is growing in popularity, that makes it easier than ever to find rose gold engagement ring designs, coordinating wedding bands, and other jewelry pieces. This gives couples many options to find and personalize their perfect engagement ring.

    • Romance

    The pink hue of rose gold has intimate connections to romance, perfect for such a romantic piece of jewelry as an engagement ring. The very name – rose – also connects to the most romantic of flowers, giving a rose gold engagement ring even more symbolism as part of a couple’s promise to each other. 

    Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring .35 Ct

    • Price

    While many factors influence engagement ring prices, rose gold designs can often be less expensive because copper is a cheaper metal, making the overall ring composition less costly. This may be only a minor influence, however, but it can be something for couples on a strict budget to consider. 

    Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond & Pearl Wedding Ring

    • Color Enhancement

    The light pink tone of rose gold can gently enhance similarly colored gems, making a pink diamond, turquoise, granet or sapphire really shine. The color can also coordinate with other gemstone engagement rings, adding more beauty and distinctiveness to a colored engagement ring.

     Victorian Turquoise & Pearl Ring Circa 1900s

    Cons Of Rose Gold Engagement Rings:

    While there are many good points to rose gold and the lovely engagement rings it can create, couples should also be aware of the potential cons of this metal when choosing their ring...

    • Trendiness

    Because rose gold is growing in popularity, it will become more common and less unique. For a bride-to-be who wants a truly one-of-a-kind engagement ring, this may make rose gold less desirable.

    Victorian Old Mine & Rose Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 

    • Blends with Pink Skin

    A bride-to-be who has noticeable pink tones to her skin, particularly on her hands and fingers, may not prefer a rose gold engagement ring that will blend more easily with her skin tone, as it won’t be as eye-catching as it could be. 

    Victorian Twin Stone Garnet & Seed Pearl Engagement Ring Circa 1900s 

    • Copper Allergies

    While rare, some individuals are allergic to copper and a rose gold engagement ring could trigger an allergic reaction. Knowing that rose gold contains copper can keep couples from making an uncomfortable and unhealthy choice.

    Late Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond & Pearl Halo Engagement Ring

    • Challenging Repairs

    Because the exact color of rose gold depends on a precise alloy blend to create the pink tinge, it can be challenge to match that color if the engagement ring must be repaired or resized in the future.

    Dazzling Victorian Opal & Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

    • Color Changes

    As copper oxidizes over time, it will turn slightly darker and redder. This does take many years, but can be undesirable if couples prefer an exact shade for their rose gold engagement ring.

    Dainty Victorian Garnet & Seed Pearl Engagement Ring

    Choosing a Rose Gold Engagement Ring

    Ultimately, whether or not to choose a rose gold engagement ring is a matter of personal preference. The metal has many outstanding qualities that make it attractive, not just visually, but also for a budget conscious couple as well as anyone interested in a ring with unique traits, though it is always wise to work with a retailer experienced with this less common but stunning type of gold. If a couple likes the look of the metal and enjoys its symbolism, a rose gold ring will be perfect to represent their commitment to one another and their promise to stay committed for years to come.

    ANTIQUE ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR EVERYONE:

    No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

    FIND THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING:

    Antique diamond cuts are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of rose gold engagement rings today!

    SUZANNE SACHS

    Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
     

    Press Love:

    Thrive Global

    Art Deco Emerald Ring

    Contact Suzanne

    If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.


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