Traditional white and yellow gold engagement rings are beautiful in their own right, but for the bride-to-be who desires something more unique, a rose gold ring may be the perfect choice.

What is Rose Gold?

Commonly referred to as pink or red gold, rose gold gets its lovely hue from a mixture of pure gold and copper. Rose gold has a higher percentage of copper than any other gold, lending it the lovely pinkish hue. Of course, the actual color of rose gold can vary from depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers will add silver or other metals to change the hue even more, lending rose gold a deeper or lighter pink shade.

The color of rose gold can also be affected by the carat. Higher carats will yield a lighter tint because there is more pure yellow gold present, which reduces the effect of the copper.

Where Can I Find Rose Gold Rings?

Rose gold is still relatively rare to find in engagement rings, but more designers are turning to alternative metals as a unique choice for couples ready to spend the rest of their lives together. If you customize your engagement ring, you can typically request the ring be made with rose gold. Antique rings may also be an option, as the time period when the rings were made is famous for using many unique design options and metals, including rose gold. While rose gold is roughly on par with the price of traditional yellow gold, the rarity of this metal used for engagement rings can make it a bit more costly. The fact that many couples must custom-order an engagement ring or find independent jewelers who specialize in rose gold make it a more expensive option than traditional metals.

If you choose rose gold for your engagement ring, there are a number of things you can do to not only offset the cost, but add an additional unique touch to your ring. For example; rather than having the entire band made from rose gold, you could consider using rose gold as an accent to complement the rest of the ring! You can use pink gold on the rim of the setting, or use it as an accent color along the edge of the band. You can also use rose gold to complement a pink diamond, if you so choose. This adds extra beauty to an already gorgeous piece.

Protect your Investment

Just as you would care for any of your gold jewelry, your rose gold engagement ring should be handled with the same treatment. Avoid wearing your ring while using harsh household chemicals, doing heavy housework or any activity that can potentially scratch or damage your ring. Unfortunately, if you are allergic to copper, the copper alloys in rose gold can cause your finger to become red, irritated and swollen. Take this into consideration before purchasing a ring.

A rose gold engagement ring can be a beautiful and unique choice versus traditional metals. For couples who love the classic symbolism of a gold ring, rose gold offers a wonderful alternative that is just as meaningful.