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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
In the last few years, rose gold has become a more popular metal option for engagement rings and wedding bands. The pretty pinkish-gold color manages to feel both slightly vintage and trendy at the same time, and it gives any ring a romantic, soft look that you don’t always get with the classic metal choices of platinum, yellow gold, or white gold.
What Is Rose Gold?
Rose gold is a blend, or an alloy, of gold, copper, and silver. Its signature rose tint comes from the copper and can also be referred to as pink gold or red gold.
“Rose gold symbolizes true love, which makes it a perfect choice for engagement or wedding rings, especially in combination with a diamond, which we all know is forever,” says jeweler Azra Mehdi.
Meet the Expert
Azra Mehdi is the founder of Au Xchange, a jeweler specializing in fine gold jewelry.
One of the first well-known users of the metal—which was formerly known as "Russian gold"—was czar jeweler Carl Fabergé, who used it in his famous Fabergé eggs in the nineteenth century. Mehdi explains, “Rose gold’s popularity vacillated over the next few decades and had a major comeback when Cartier created the famous Cartier Trinity ring in 1924 for the famous French writer, artist, filmmaker, and playwright, Jean Cocteau."
Considering a rose gold wedding band for yourself? Here’s what you should know before purchasing your own.
Pros of Rose Gold Wedding Bands
Aside from the unique shade, rose gold has a few benefits over other metals. For one thing, it’s very versatile and looks good on everyone. “Rose gold complements all skin tones, both warm and cool, as well as in-between, which eliminates a very important aspect of suitability,” Mehdi says.
It’s durable and strong, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. Mehdi notes that it’s more durable than other gold variations because of all of the copper, which is an extremely strong metal.
Rose gold is often a more affordable choice compared to yellow gold, white gold, or platinum, because of the large amount of copper.
“The color of rose gold does not fade, making it very low-maintenance,” she adds. “For example, white gold is an alloy of fine gold, nickel, and zinc with a thin layer of rhodium, which gives it the bright white finish. However, white gold needs to be re-plated depending on frequency of use to prevent it from looking greyish. Rose gold, on the other hand, derives its pretty pink color from the mixture itself, and not from plating or a finish. Rose gold also does not tarnish, although the pink hue may very slowly get deeper with time. But, this generally takes decades.”
Cons of Rose Gold Wedding Bands
There may be plenty of positives to rose gold, but there are some negative aspects to the metal as well. “The most significant disadvantage to rings made of rose gold is that they may not be entirely hypoallergenic for people with copper allergies,” Mehdi says. The copper can result in allergic reactions, especially if you choose 10K or 12K rose gold, which has a higher copper content than 14K or 18K rose gold.
Avoid wearing rose gold if you have a known copper allergy.
And although the metal is durable and strong, it still scratches more easily than white gold. “White gold’s rhodium plating gives it an extra level of protection compared to yellow or rose gold, both of which derive their hues from the alloys' mix of their component metals, rather than plating."
The last disadvantage is aesthetic. As Mehdi points out, rose gold is viewed as more of a trend and has gone in and out of popularity many times. Many worry that rose gold isn’t quite as timeless and classic as other gold options, and for something you plan to wear for many years, this could definitely be cause for concern.
However, if you decide that a rose gold wedding band is the ring for you, scroll to see 18 baubles on the market right now.
Bario Neal Custom Baguette and Champagne Diamond Band
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Courtesy of Bario Neal
This rose gold band features plenty of sparkle with three baguette diamonds, champagne diamonds, and one princess-cut diamond. The dark champagne diamond makes it extra special.
SHOP NOW: Bario Neal, $3,000
Natalie Marie Classic Half Round Ring
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Courtesy of Natalie Marie
With rose gold, even the most simple ring stands out. This classic curved ring has a masculine feel to it, but is perfect for men and women alike.
SHOP NOW: Natalie Marie Jewelry, $994
Anna Sheffield Hammered Classic Half Round Band
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
For something classic with a twist, try a hammered half round band like this one. Delicately hammered rose gold gives this simple ring an interesting and subtle texture.
SHOP NOW: Anna Sheffield, $575
Tiffany Soleste V Ring
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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
This slim rose gold band is designed to nest with your engagement ring, and features clean, simple lines. Five small diamonds give it a nice sparkle that isn’t overwhelming.
SHOP NOW: Tiffany & Co., $1,300
Mociun Abacus Band
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Courtesy of Mocuin
Delicate and slim, the rose gold studs along this band give it an interesting silhouette. While the thin band makes it feel more feminine, this is still a unisex look.
SHOP NOW: Mociun, $2,700
Gillian Conway Rose Gold Channel Set Diamond Band
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Courtesy of Gillian Conroy
The channel setting of this band gives the diamonds a more subtle look. This would look beautiful paired with an engagement ring, but looks just as good on its own.
SHOP NOW: Gillian Conway, $850
Shahla Karimi Baguette Bar Set Band
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Courtesy of Shahla Kharimi
This horizontal bar set features an eternity band of baguette diamonds. The rose gold is subtle, but clearly there.
SHOP NOW: Shahla Karimi, $2,490
Elsa Peretti Stacking Band Ring
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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
This elegant and modern design features five inset diamonds with a rose gold band. This is a perfect stacking band and works for both men and women.
SHOP NOW: Tiffany and Co, $1,350
David Yurman Beveled Band with Pavé Cognac Diamonds
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Courtesy of David Yurman
For a more masculine look, there’s this David Yurman beveled band that is both a classic and a standout piece. The cognac diamonds make an interesting contrast against the soft rose gold.
SHOP NOW: David Yurman, $2,200
Bario Neal Custom Luma Curved Diamond Band
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Courtesy of Bario Neal
This rose gold nesting ring is meant to nestle against an engagement ring. With a row of small diamonds and a polished finish, this is sure to sparkle.
SHOP NOW: Bario Neal, $2,500
Gillian Conway Grace Thin Rose Gold Band
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Courtesy of Gillian Conroy
Dainty and ultra-feminine, this slim band features a square edge for a slightly different look. It’s very versatile and pairs well with any kind of engagement ring.
SHOP NOW: Gillian Conway, $480
Lizzie Mandler Basic Flat Top Knife Edge Band
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Courtesy of Lizzie Mandler
This vintage-inspired band has a unique shape to it that could easily work with an engagement ring or on its own. It has a more masculine look, but is also stackable.
SHOP NOW: Lizzie Mandler, $950
Aprés Jewelry The Diamond Kite Band
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Courtesy of Aprés Jewelery
This eternity band has an interesting kite shape with lots of texture and plenty of sparkling diamonds. The piece is also available with diamonds only halfway around.
SHOP NOW: Aprés Jewelry, $850
Ila Rosette Ring
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Ila Collection
A rose gold diamond ring twists around for a really striking design that looks beautiful and feminine. The rose gold makes it appear more romantic.
SHOP NOW: Ila Collection, $1,760
DY Classic Double Band in 18K Rose Gold
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Courtesy of David Yurman
This masculine double band offers a really interesting shape, yet it’s still simple and classic. The wide band looks best on its own rather than stacked with another ring.
SHOP NOW: David Yurman, $1,850
Ila Reed Ring
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Courtesy of Ila Collection
This slim ring features a triangulated setting that makes it really versatile. It works with all different kinds of engagement rings and center stone cuts, but also looks so pretty on its own.
SHOP NOW: Ila Collection, $1,355
Kirk Kara Diamond Tiara Wedding Band
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Courtesy of J.R. Dunn
The rose gold makes this tiara wedding band look even more feminine and delicate. It features marquise-shaped diamond leaves in a milgrain outline set and looks lovely paired with an engagement ring.
SHOP NOW: J.R. Dunn, $979
David Yurman Beveled Band Ring
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Courtesy of David Yurman
Simple, classic, elegant, and understated are all ways to describe this wide, masculine ring. A beveled edge and rose gold shade make it more unique.
SHOP NOW: David Yurman, $2,100