What is Rose Gold?

Rose gold—also known as pink gold or red gold—has become a favorite for those who want something a little different from traditional yellow gold. Its warm, romantic tone gives jewelry a refined, elegant look that many people find more distinctive and modern.

Like all gold jewelry, rose gold is not pure gold. Pure gold (24K) is far too soft for everyday wear, so it must be mixed with other metals to create a durable alloy.

How Is Rose Gold Made?

Rose gold gets its signature color from copper. When pure gold is blended with copper, the result is a warm, pinkish hue.

• Less copper produces a soft pink tone (pink gold)

• More copper creates a deeper reddish color (red gold)

• Rose gold falls somewhere in between

The gold and copper are heated until molten, thoroughly mixed, and then cooled to form the final alloy. There is no universal standard for how much copper must be used, which is why rose gold shades can vary slightly from piece to piece.

You may hear the term “pure rose gold,” but technically, this doesn’t exist—the color simply reflects the proportion of copper in the alloy.

Rose Gold vs. Karat Value

Because copper replaces some of the gold content, redder rose gold alloys generally contain less pure gold than lighter pink alloys. As a result, red gold typically has a slightly lower karat value than pink gold, though both are considered genuine gold jewelry.

Lower karat rose gold is often:

• More durable

• More resistant to scratches

• More affordable

Russian Gold and Crown Gold Explained

Russian gold is simply another name for rose gold. It became popular in Russia during the 19th century and gained its alternative name during that time. Today, the term is mostly historical but still refers to rose gold.

Crown gold, however, is different. It is a 22K gold alloy mixed with copper, historically used for minting British coins. Because it contains a high percentage of pure gold, crown gold is richer in color and more expensive than lower karat jewelry. It is also softer and typically reserved for special pieces rather than everyday wear.

Choosing Rose Gold Jewelry

When purchasing rose gold, keep these points in mind:

• The redder the color, the higher the copper content and typically the lower the gold purity

• Lower karat rose gold (such as 10K or 14K) is stronger and better suited for daily wear

• Higher karat rose gold offers richer color but requires more care

If you’re hard on jewelry or plan to wear your piece every day, a lower karat rose gold option may be the smartest choice—and it comes with the added benefit of a lower price.

Final Thoughts

Rose gold offers a beautiful balance of warmth, elegance, and durability. Whether you prefer a subtle blush tone or a deeper red hue, understanding how rose gold is made helps you choose a piece that fits both your style and lifestyle.