As we enter Spring, many couples are now contemplating the perfect symbol of their commitment, whether that is a sparkling birthday gift or the perfect engagement ring. Amid the timeless sparkle and eye-catching designs, you may have overlooked one key aspect: metal. Recently, rose gold has become a favourite for its warm hue and romantic appeal. So why not go all in?
A Glowing History
Rose gold, with its distinctive pinkish hue, traces its origins back to 19th-century Russia. Jewellers began blending pure gold with copper, creating a warm-toned alloy that quickly gained popularity and was, for a time, termed ‘Russian gold’. This unique metal soon spread across Europe and into the United States, and was used by the Czar’s jeweller Carl Fabergé to create the now famous Fabergé Eggs.
Fabergé egg, early 20th-century. Credit: Walters Art Museum
Going in and out of style throughout the 20th century, this pink metal has now established itself as a fashionable and well-liked metal for wedding bands, for women especially, but increasingly as men’s wedding rings too. More recently, the trend for mixing metals has made this pink coloured metal a trendy choice for those who like to layer jewellery.
Ideal For All Skin Tones
One of the remarkable qualities of this precious metal is its versatility across various skin tones. Its warm, blush hue complements a wide range of complexions:
Warm Undertones: Individuals with warm undertones often find that rose gold enhances the natural warmth of their skin, creating a harmonious and flattering effect. The subtle pinkish tint of brings out an unmatched softness and glow.
Cool Undertones: While traditionally cooler undertones pair well with white metals, rose gold offers a pleasing contrast — just make sure that the pinkish hue of the metal isn’t strong enough to accentuate any redness in the skin. We would recommend a more heavily alloyed metal, such as 18k and lower.
Neutral Undertones: Those with neutral undertones have the flexibility to wear various metals, but pink gold stands out by providing a balanced and sophisticated look that enhances the skin's natural hues.
Is a Rose Romantic?
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, rose gold carries profound romantic symbolism. Its pink hue is often associated with love and passion, making it a fitting choice for engagement rings. The colour evokes warmth and intimacy, reflecting the deep emotional connection between partners. Trio rings that feature three rings intertwined and worn as one often feature pink gold for this reason. Choosing a rose gold engagement ring makes for a more unconventional choice that is sure to stand out not only for its colour, but also the meaning and story attached to it.
The Perfect Stone For Rose Gold
Selecting the right gemstone is crucial to enhance the beauty of a pink gold setting. The metal's warm tones pair well with various stones:
Diamonds: Rose gold settings can make diamonds appear slightly warmer. While colourless (grades D - F) or near-colorless (grades G - I) diamonds are popular choices, you can also opt for diamonds that have more of a faint yellow tint (graded J to L), as their colour will be less visible next to a pink hue.
10-carat rose gold bespoke diamond ring by 77
Red and Pink Gemstones: Rose gold complements gemstones with red and pink hues such as garnet and rosy sapphires. These combinations will help create a cohesive and harmonious look for your jewellery. Deeper coloured reds, such as pigeon-blood rubies, will have a striking effect when placed in a lighter-toned pink setting.
Stone Colours to Avoid: We recommend you avoid mixing colours that may be too close on the colour wheel, as these may end up clashing. For example, a yellow diamond against a very warm pink setting may not be complimentary, and make the stone seem less bright than it is. The same would be true for a very vivid green emerald — it may offset the pink and make your centre stone seem out of place.
77’s Touch
When it comes to this pink precious metal, the alloy's composition significantly influences its colour, durability, and value. Gold is naturally yellow, so to achieve a pink hue, our 18k rose gold consists of 75% pure gold and usually 25% copper and silver alloys. This composition offers several advantages, namely ensuring the pink colour remains vivid and warm while still offering a level of durability to be worn day-to-day. When purchasing from 77, you will also benefit from a full lifetime warranty against any damages. To learn more, please visit our Terms & Conditions.
