Rose Gold vs. Yellow Gold: What’s the Difference?

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Ring shoppers steel themselves to ask some pretty big, life-changing questions, often of the “Will you marry me?” variety. But they sometimes seem reluctant to tackle some more basic queries like “But what is rose gold, exactly?” Don’t stress, shoppers, because we’ve got the answer. Read on to learn more about rose gold and what sets it apart from yellow gold and white gold.

The Short and Sweet: What Is Rose Gold? 

In short, rose gold is a blend (alloy) of 24-karat yellow gold, copper and silver, which together creates a pinkish hue. Yellow gold is also an alloy made of 24-karat yellow gold, copper and silver, but it has less copper to maintain the classic gold or yellow hue. White gold, on the other hand, does not contain copper. Instead, it is an alloy typically consisting of roughly 75 percent gold and 25 percent zinc and nickel. Rose gold has become uber-popular in the past decade or so, thanks, in part, to tastemakers like Blake Lively, Lauren Conrad and Julianne Hough.

Rose gold came into popularity in the early 19th century in Russia. This is actually why it has the nickname “Russian gold.” At first, it wasn’t for rings, though. It was actually for Faberge eggs, named for jeweler Carl Faberge who used rose gold for the eggs and is credited with rose gold’s surge in popularity.

Rose gold engagement rings have become a popular choice due to their alluring luster and their ability to look great on a variety of skin tones and undertones. If you’re considering a rose gold ring, you’re definitely considering a fabulous option!

How Is Rose Gold Made?

Gold jewelry wrought in that lovely blush-pink hue catches the eye at every turn. But even as admiring crowds gather ’round display cases gleaming with rose gold wedding rings and necklaces, there’s clearly some internal speculation about rose gold’s arrival on the scene. Nobody seems to be able to recall that shade of metal from movies featuring prospectors or museum exhibits on the Yukon Trail. Was there a recent discovery of some rose gold mine that everybody missed because they were too busy shouting at each other on social media?

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Anyone toting a pickaxe to an abandoned California mineshaft dreaming of pure rose gold nuggets is doomed to disappointment. Rose gold gets its coloring from the copper alloys that help strengthen it. Almost all gold jewelry uses metal alloys like silver, copper, zinc or nickel. The timeless beauty of gold just does better when it can borrow from other metals for durability. 

An 18-karat yellow gold ring, for example, might be 75 percent gold, 12.5 percent copper and 12.5 percent silver, while an 18-karat rose gold ring might be 75 percent gold and 25 percent copper. Both of these 18-karat rings are going to be more affordable than a similar 24-karat ring made out of pure gold, and they are also less likely to get bent out of shape. 

It’s not really a new trick. Like we mentioned above, Carl Faberge incorporated rose gold into some of the fabulous eggs he made for Russian nobility in the 19th century. And recently discovered Nahuange artifacts even suggest that rose gold was in vogue with ancient Colombians. 

Check Out Interesting Facts About Rose Gold Wedding Rings

So whatever your personal preference, you can’t go wrong when adding rose gold pieces to your jewelry collection.

Still have some lingering questions? Don’t worry — we include a list of answers below to some more sensible questions that often don’t get asked.

Do Men Wear Rose Gold Rings?

Yes, they sure do. In fact, one of the most famous rings of the 20th century was the Trinity Ring, commissioned by French novelist Jean Cocteau in 1924. Interweaving strands of yellow gold, rose gold and platinum, Cocteau wore it on his pinky finger until his death three decades later. 

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The rose gold men’s wedding band continues to reach unprecedented heights of popularity. Some men like that it matches their partner’s ring. Others like the affordability of the mixture, especially since wedding bands for men often use more material than those designed for women. Men who work with their hands appreciate the fact that rose gold requires less maintenance than something made of white gold. 

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What About Yellow Gold? 

When you think about gold jewelry, yellow gold is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s the most traditional option, and it’s instantly recognizable. Prized for centuries, yellow gold complements warm skin tones beautifully, but it has a striking appearance against cooler skin tones, too. 

In terms of durability, yellow gold is softer than rose gold. However, the exact hardness depends on the karat weight. 18K and 24K gold is much softer and prone to scratching than lower karat options, like 14K or 10K. While pure gold is the most valuable, it is also the least durable, so most people stick to 10K and 14K when selecting jewelry for daily wear. 

What’s the Deal with White Gold?

Like rose gold and yellow gold, white gold adds alloys into the mix — usually silver, palladium and nickel. Because those metals can be more valuable than copper, which features heavily in yellow gold and rose gold, white gold can carry a heftier price tag. White gold is frequently plated with rhodium, a precious metal akin to platinum, to acquire the silvery-white sheen.

Some people choose white gold as an alternative to sterling silver. While gold can tarnish, it is not as prone to this reaction as silver. The elements used in the alloy combined with the protective rhodium plating commonly used on white gold make it less susceptible to the elements. 

Are There Different Variations of Rose Gold Jewelry?

Yes, some other variations include red gold and pink gold. A general rule of thumb to follow is that higher copper content equates to a redder or more pinkish gold. Pink gold occurs when an appreciable amount of silver joins the blend. Crown gold represents the closest point to pure gold on the rose spectrum, weighing in at 22 karats.

How Will Rose Gold Rings Hold Up?

Our rose gold rings are of high quality and handcrafted. No one should begin married life mired in unnecessary debt, but that doesn’t mean they need to settle for costume jewelry or something that turns the wearer’s finger green. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or a wedding ring, our collection features stunning products that won’t break the bank and will withstand the test of time. It’s a win-win! 

Which Type of Gold Is Most Durable?

This one might surprise you, but it’s actually rose gold. Yeah, we get it. It doesn’t exactly leap to the forefront of your mind when you think of a durable ring, but looks can be deceiving. In short, the less gold, the more durable. This is why 10-karat is more durable than 14-karat or 18-karat gold. The less “pure” the gold, the more durable it is. Gold in its purest form is incredibly fragile comparatively and can be easily bent. Yeah, 24-karat gold looks awesome, but it really isn’t going to hold up to everyday wear as well as rose gold or 10-karat. 

What About Ring Allergies?

Well, gold allergies, in general, aren’t particularly common, though they do exist. If you have a gold allergy, you may wonder if you can wear rose gold without issue. Unfortunately, rose gold still contains enough gold to set off certain allergic reactions. Your mileage may vary, though, so it’s always best to just consult your doctor or allergist and get a second opinion.

Much of the time, gold isn’t the issue. It’s actually an allergy to nickel or some other type of metal like that. The good news is that a high-quality rose gold ring will not have any nickel in it, so you can wear it with confidence. Modern Gents’ rose gold rings are coated with rhodium plating, so they are nickel-free, hypoallergenic and perfect for people with skin sensitivities.

Choosing the Right Gold Jewelry

Rose gold, yellow gold and white gold each offer unique qualities that suit different preferences and skin tones. Rose gold, with its warm pinkish hue, has become increasingly popular for its romantic, vintage appeal. It complements various skin tones, particularly warm undertones. Yellow gold, the most traditional choice, is instantly recognizable and versatile, complementing both warm and cool skin tones. 

White gold provides a modern, platinum-like look at a more affordable price point. It's ideal for those preferring silver-toned metals and complements cool skin tones especially well. However, white gold often requires periodic replating to maintain its bright appearance. 

Each type of gold offers distinct advantages in terms of style, durability and skin tone matching, allowing for personalized choices in jewelry selection. Remember that there is no right or wrong answer. When choosing jewelry, go with whatever option makes you feel best. 

Rose Gold Engagment Rings vs. Yellow Gold vs. White Gold: Comparison Chart

Still can’t decide which gold color is “the one”? No worries! Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how rose gold, yellow gold and white gold stack up when it comes to color, durability, maintenance and more.

If you want the best of both worlds, consider mixing metals. A rose gold engagement ring with a white gold band gives you contrast, character and serious modern flair.

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Ready to find your perfect rose gold ring? Explore our entire selection of rings at Modern Gents. 

Our rings are conflict-free and made to last. Rather than supporting inhumanely mined diamonds, we use high-quality man-made stones that offer the shine of a perfect diamond. Quality, style and brilliance. What could be better? Browse our collection today to find gold jewelry you’ll love! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is rose gold durable? 

Absolutely. Thanks to its copper base, rose gold is tougher than both yellow and white gold. It holds up beautifully to everyday life, whether you’re typing away at your desk or hiking on the weekends.

Does rose gold tarnish?

Not really. Rose gold doesn’t tarnish like silver. It develops a soft patina over time that gives it character and warmth. If you ever want to restore its original shine, a quick polish brings it right back.

What is the rose gold composition?

Most 18K rose gold jewelry is about 75% gold and 25% copper, though the exact mix can vary depending on how pink or red the jeweler wants the metal to appear.

How does gold hardness affect scratch resistance?

The higher the gold’s purity, the softer it is. Pure 24K gold scratches easily, while 10K and 14K gold are tougher thanks to added metals. Rose gold is usually the most durable because its copper mix boosts scratch resistance, so it’s perfect for everyday wear.

Which type of gold is best for daily wear? Special occasions?

For daily wear, go with rose gold or 14K yellow gold. Both are durable and low-maintenance enough for everyday life. For special occasions, higher-karat golds like 18K or 24K bring that rich, luxurious glow but are a little softer, making them better for occasional wear.

What are the best care and cleaning tips for gold jewelry?

Keep your gold jewelry shining by cleaning it gently with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, which can wear down finishes or plating. For extra sparkle, dry thoroughly and store your pieces separately to prevent scratches.