While yellow and white shades of gold are consistently popular, rose gold-also called red or pink gold- engagement rings have recently been favored by brides-to-be who desire a more unique yet still traditional ring in a subtly romantic hue.
The typical blend of gold to copper that gives the final metal a pink hue is three parts gold to one part copper, or 75 percent gold and 25 percent copper. The precise proportions vary, however, and some manufacturers prefer to add trace amounts of silver or other metals to further adjust the tint. The higher the percentage of copper, the darker the red coloration, and rose gold can actually be found in many different hues.
The karat value of the gold also affects its pink shade. A higher karat value such as 18k pink gold will be lighter than 10k alloys because there is more yellow gold in the mix, effectively diminishing the effect of the copper tinting.
Rose gold engagement rings may not be solely pink; using different colored metals as accents is a popular way to add distinction to a ring. Pink metal may be used for the crown of the ring, the rim of a bezel setting, or as edging to a different type of metal along the band. Some couples even choose rose shades to accompany pink diamonds, adding yet another romantic shade to a classy yet unusual ring.
Despite its comparative rarity, rose gold is used in a number of different engagement ring designs. The stunning beauty of the alloy is a delicate contrast to traditional metals, making it particularly popular for multi-tone rings. Other rings that commonly incorporate rose gold include:
- Filigree engagement rings: The subtle pink hue of rose gold is a charming and romantic accent for delicate designs.
- Celtic engagement rings : Rose gold can be woven into stunning knots and patterns and contrasts well with other metals to create a multi-tone ring with unusual hues.
- Mokume gane engagement rings: The blending of different metals creates exquisite patterns in mokume gane, and rose alloys are an unusual but beautiful choice to include in the design.
- Claddagh rings: Rose, red, or pink gold is often used for the symbolic heart in the Claddagh design to emphasize its love connotation.
- Inlaid engagement rings: Many simple engagement rings or wedding bands use inlays of different metals for subtle design contrasts, and rose gold is the perfect choice for a unique color combination.







