Features of rose gold

People who are far from the world of jewelry art often wonder what rose gold is. Indeed, such an alloy looks unusual and beautiful, but its composition and samples raise some doubts - the cherished 925 marking simply does not exist here. Why rose gold has become a jewelry trend, how to choose it, what to look for in care, it is worth talking in more detail.

Rose gold is a type of jewelry alloy that has a color atypical for pure metal. Its surface has a characteristic, more or less saturated shade, depending on what percentage of the ligature is contained in the composition. The alloy looks unusual due to the impurity of copper, which gives a red color. However, if the composition contains only copper and gold, then it is red gold. A more delicate and delicate color can be obtained only by adding silver.

Rose gold is a material that has been rejected by jewelers for many years as unusable. In the Middle Ages, when experiments with metals were actively carried out, only pure materials were appreciated. In the future, several attempts were made to improve the properties of gold, to increase its strength. Rose gold came into fashion already in the 90s of the XX century.

Rose gold belongs to the non-ferrous varieties of alloys based on the chemical element Au. Moreover, its chemical properties directly depend on the composition. A combination of 3 elements is always used here:

• pure gold of the highest 999 standard;
• copper;
• pure silver.

These alloys are called wrought alloys because they remain fairly soft and ductile. The admixture of silver varies from 2.75% to 9%, metal shades can be designated as "rose" (for brighter tones) and "pink" (for the lightest). The higher the ligature content, the stronger and more durable rose gold items are.

The main difference between rose gold and regular yellow gold is the alloy shade. Jewelers prefer to make it themselves from ingots, mixing the ingredients in the right proportions.

Rose also differs from related red gold, and not only in copper content (it is in each of these varieties), but also the presence of silver. Of course, such a precious metal cannot be called pure - the volume of the ligature in it is significantly higher. But the finished products are very durable, easy to process, resistant to deformation loads.

White gold is valued the most, with the difference in price due mainly to the impurity of palladium... This rare metal increases the physical properties of gold, but does not reduce its cost. Finished products resemble platinum in their shade, they go well with colored stones. Complex jewelry compositions are made of white alloy - this is an excellent background version of the frame.

The debate about which gold is better has been going on for a long time. If we talk about current trends, then pink and white alloys are at the height of fashion today, they are chosen for their collections by leading jewelry houses. But it is worth considering that it is very difficult to combine gold in the shade of the morning dawn in products with colored stones, since it requires a transparent or complement of a similar color. In addition, the already established tendencies classify the pink alloy as a material for youth and wedding jewelry.

Rose gold is characterized by 3 types of samples, at their face value corresponding to the content of pure metal in the composition. Copper and silver act as additional components that determine the unusual colors. The saturation of the color of the metal and its shade depend on their content.

This type of pink metal contains only 37.5% pure gold, copper accounts for the same amount, and silver occupies 25% of the total volume. The finished alloy has a deep dark pink hue. This rose gold is more like red or pure gold, produced in Soviet times according to the 583-carat standard.

Of this alloy rarely make art jewelry, but he can be used in the production of large and bulky items as a frame. With frequent wear, the alloy oxidizes, gradually acquiring a not very aesthetic appearance. In the carat system of measures, 375-carat rose gold corresponds to 8 carats. This should be taken into account when purchasing products abroad.

Rose gold with a pure metal content of 58.5%. Silver accounts for 9%, copper - 32.5%. The resulting alloy has an original pale pink color, which is very popular with jewelers. He it lends itself well to processing, while it is quite durable, not as soft as regular gold.

The silver in the composition gives the metal a delicate pearlescent pink hue. It is pink gold of 585-carat test that is especially in demand in jewelry design. In the carat metric system, it corresponds to an indicator of 14 carats.

Highest sample available. Due to the large volume of pure gold (75%), the alloy turns out to be yellow, with a slight pink undertone. It is less durable and requires more careful and careful maintenance. In addition to gold, the composition includes silver in the amount of 9%, as well as 16% copper.18-carat rose gold is not as original and decorative as other types of it, but it is highly prized for its high precious metal content. This alloy corresponds to an indicator of 18 carats.

Jewelry alloy with similar characteristics is quite popular in the manufacture of mass and art products... Among the disadvantages are the appearance of scratches, the need for periodic polishing.

Rose gold jewelry has become a real hit in bridal fashion jewelry. It is for brides that the largest factories and private workshops today produce a wide range of products: rings, earrings, pendants and headsets that make the image as harmonious as possible. They look beautiful in this design vintage versions of products, as well as a retro direction. Design in the pre-revolutionary style is considered a special chic, it is interesting and not too trivial.

Rose gold goes for people whose skin tone is close to white. The lighter the color type, the more difficult it is to combine jewelry made of pure yellow metal with it. Owners of pale pink skin should choose options that are close in shade to avoid excessive glamor of jewelry against the general background.

It is believed that non-ferrous metal alloys should be worn by young people. Indeed, even the design of such jewelry is more youth-oriented. But for natural blondes who prefer pastel colors in their clothes, this prohibition can be disregarded: rose gold jewelry fits perfectly into their image at any age.

People who are allergic to this metal should not wear jewelry containing copper. With increased skin sensitivity, irritation is inevitable. An exception may be products of the 750th test, but here, too, you should be careful.

Alloys based on gold, copper and silver have both technical and jewelry applications. They can cover less noble metals from which bijouterie. Such products are generally inexpensive, but in terms of visual appeal they may not be inferior to the best jewelry. Handmade designer products with a gilded coating may even cost more than factory stamping presented in stores.

Rose gold 375-carat is quite rare. It can be seen as a base in pectoral crosses and large pendants. Such an alloy is also used in the manufacture of brooches, buttons for designer clothes, accessories that complement bags and leather goods, in the cases of writing utensils, men's cufflinks, and cigarette cases.

Sample 585 is the most common. The range of jewelry made from such rose gold is as wide as possible. This includes:

• chains;
• rings;
• earrings;
• charms;
• pendants;
• bracelets;
• necklace;
• clips;
• tiaras.

Of course, mass production provides not only a variety of names. Rose gold is often combined with diamonds and cubic zirkonia, used in jewelry with white and yellow alloys, creating real masterpieces at affordable prices. Paired products are also popular: in male and female versions.

Piece design jewelry is made from 750-carat alloys.... This is no longer a mass product, but an exclusive product, most often created according to individual sketches. The cost of such rose gold items will be one of the highest. The quality is also not satisfactory. Such products are sold on a par with other premium jewelry.

Rose gold is no more capricious to care for than the yellow varieties of this noble metal. However, certain rules still have to be followed.

1. Elimination of contact with acids. They can react with the alloy or its components, adversely affecting the condition of the jewelry.
2. Deformation protection. The higher the purity of the rose gold, the softer it will be. When removing contaminants from the surface of products with marks 750 or 585, it is imperative to use only special tools and soft materials. Cleaning with abrasives is completely excluded.
3. Thermal protection. The high copper content makes the alloy unstable to high temperatures. It is not recommended to boil rose gold jewelry. They are washed only in warm water using special shampoos or other liquid formulations. Before cleaning dishes or plumbing, the rings are removed or protected with special household gloves.
4. Mechanical cleaning with a soft brush. If the surface is heavily soiled, rose gold jewelry can be treated with a cleaning solution applied to a soft brush. A toothbrush for sensitive enamel works here.

With these tips in mind, you can always keep your rose gold jewelry in optimal condition and keep it shiny and lustrous for years to come.

For more information on the different types of gold, see the next video.