Rose Gold: What It Is, How It Is Made and What It Is Worth

Rose gold is gold alloyed with copper, often with a little silver, which gives it a warm pink colour. It is real gold: 18KT rose gold is 75% pure gold, the same as 18KT yellow. More copper gives a deeper red gold; less gives a paler pink, sometimes sold as pink gold.

Rose gold is made by melting pure gold with copper, and usually a little silver, in set proportions for the carat wanted. For 18 carat, three parts of gold by weight are melted with one part of copper and silver. The alloy is then cast or rolled and worked like any gold.

Rose gold is made in the usual gold carats: 9, 14 and 18 carat are the most common, and 22KT rose gold exists but is softer. It cannot be 24 carat, because 24 carat is pure gold, which is yellow; the pink comes only from the copper alloyed with it. It is hallmarked like yellow gold.

No. Rose gold is gold alloyed with copper, so it contains copper, but most of an 18KT rose gold piece is pure gold. Copper on its own is a base metal that tarnishes green and brown. Rose gold coloured jewellery marked with no carat may be copper or brass plated, so check the stamps.

Solid rose gold does not fade or need replating, because the colour runs right through the metal; it can deepen slightly over many years as the copper ages. Rose gold plated jewellery is different: the thin pink layer wears away with use and can be replated. Solid rose gold is stamped with its carat.

Rose gold is as valuable as yellow or white gold of the same carat, because its value comes from its gold content. It is not more or less expensive for its colour. Designer, antique and gem set rose gold pieces can be worth more than their metal. Send photos and the marks for a free valuation.

Rose gold became fashionable in Russia in the early 19th century, which is why it was long called Russian gold, and Russian jewellers, Fabergé among them, used it widely. It was popular in Victorian jewellery and again in 1940s and 1950s jewellery and watches, and returned to fashion in the 2010s.

Yes. Rose and yellow gold are often worn together, and tricolour jewellery combines yellow, white and rose gold in one piece, as in Cartier's Trinity ring. Because rose gold contains copper it is slightly harder than yellow gold of the same carat, so stacked rings can wear on each other.

Yes. Solid rose gold can be polished like any gold to remove scratches and restore its shine, and its colour goes all the way through. A soft cloth and warm soapy water clean it day to day. Rose gold plated pieces should only be wiped gently, because polishing removes the plating.

Yes. Solid rose gold is bought and lent against exactly like yellow gold, valued on its carat and weight, with any stones, maker and age on top. Plated rose gold jewellery has no gold value. We buy rose gold jewellery and pay the same day by bank transfer after inspection.

Rose gold is a warm pinkish gold, more coppery than pink. The exact shade depends on how much copper is in the alloy: more copper gives red gold, and less copper with more silver gives a paler pink gold. Shades vary between makers, so two rose gold pieces may not match exactly.

Yes. Solid rose gold has the same gold value as yellow gold of the same carat, and that value moves with the gold price. Antique, signed and gem set rose gold can be worth more than its gold. Plated rose gold jewellery has no resale value as metal.