Rose Gold
The color comes from copper, not coating. Rose gold's warm blush is built into the metal itself — which means it only gets richer with wear, and never needs to be restored.
Au
AU + CU · COLOR INTRINSIC
KARAT
10K
41.7% gold
KARAT
14K
58.3% gold
KARAT
18K
75.0% gold
Color that lives in the metal.
Rose gold gets its color from a higher proportion of copper in the alloy — typically around 25–28% in a standard 14K mix, alongside a smaller amount of silver. Copper's warm reddish tone pulls the gold away from yellow and toward the blush the metal is known for. The more copper in the alloy, the deeper the rose. It's straightforward chemistry, with a result that's genuinely distinctive.
What that means practically: the color is permanent. Unlike white gold, which relies on a rhodium surface treatment, rose gold requires no plating and no replating. The hue doesn't fade or change. Some people find the color actually develops a slightly richer warmth over years of wear as the metal's surface settles. It's also sometimes called pink gold — both names describe the same alloy.
- Durability: 4 out of 5
- Tarnish Resistance: Excellent
- Color Permanence: Intrinsic
- Rhodium Plating: Never
- Hypoallergenic: Varies by alloy
- Best For: Fashion, bridal, layering
Rose gold is notably flattering across a wide range of skin tones. Its warmth doesn't compete — it complements. It pairs particularly well with morganite, champagne diamonds, and warm-toned colored stones, and layers naturally with yellow gold for a mixed-metal look.
Karat weight
in rose gold.
Rose gold follows the same karat system as yellow gold — the number reflects gold purity in parts of 24. It stops at 18K rather than 24K for the same reason white gold does: at very high gold content, the copper that creates the rose color makes up such a small portion of the alloy that the distinctive blush simply disappears. You'd end up with something close to pale yellow gold.
10K
41.7% GOLD
The highest copper content of the three, which means the deepest, most saturated rose hue. Also the hardest and most affordable option. A good choice for pieces that take consistent daily wear.
14K
58.3% GOLD
The most popular choice. The blush tone is warm and clearly rose without tipping too deep. Durable enough for everyday rings and bracelets, with a color that photographs beautifully and holds its quality over time.
18K
75.0% GOLD
The softest and most gold-rich option. The rose color is subtler — closer to a pale champagne blush. Best for pieces worn with some care, like pendants or special-occasion rings. Higher gold value.
More copper, deeper color.
The spectrum runs from pale champagne blush at 18K to a deeper, more saturated rose at 10K. The alloy ratio is fixed for a given karat, so the color is consistent across pieces at the same karat weight — which makes mixing and matching straightforward.
Caring for
your rose gold.
Rose gold is low maintenance by nature. Because the color is intrinsic and requires no plating, care is simply about keeping the metal clean and protected from unnecessary wear.
01 — Clean
Warm water. Soft brush.
A gentle dish soap and soft-bristled brush handles most buildup effectively. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Rose gold doesn't require any special cleaning products — mild and consistent is the approach.
02 — Store
Separate and covered.
Rose gold scratches against other metals and stones. Keep each piece in its own pouch or lined compartment. A closed box in a stable environment — away from excess heat or humidity — is ideal for long-term storage.
03 — Wear
Nothing to replate. Ever.
One of rose gold's practical advantages: there's no surface treatment to protect. Wear it as you would any gold jewelry — remove before swimming and cleaning, put it on after lotions and perfumes — and it will look after itself.
Something warm is waiting for you.
Browse our full collection of rose gold jewelry — pieces that wear quietly and stay beautiful on their own terms.