Apr 28, 2025

Rose Gold

Rose gold has become a recent favorite for jewelry, and it’s easy to see why. With its soft pink hue, rose gold offers a look that stands apart from the more traditional metal colors that are present with yellow or white gold.

At Vena Nova in Calgary, we offer one of Canada’s largest collections of lab-grown diamond jewelry. Our showroom features a number of pieces made out of rose gold. In this jewelry metal guide, we’ll explain what rose gold is, how it compares to other gold types, and what to keep in mind when caring for it.

What Is Rose Gold?

Rose gold is an alloy; it’s a blend of pure gold with other metals. The pink color comes from copper, while small amounts of silver are sometimes added to balance the color. The more copper that’s present in the alloy, the more red is its hue.

The use of rose gold in jewelry dates back more than 100 years. It was first made popular in Russia in the late 1800s where it was used by Russian artist Carl Fabergé in his famous Fabergé eggs. The alloy later gained widespread popularity in jewelry use during the Art Deco period of the 1920s. It’s here in the time of opulence of the roaring 20s, where designers began using it in extravagant pieces.

Unlike white gold, which is usually rhodium-plated, rose gold doesn’t require any surface treatments to get its signature look. Note that with time, because of the copper present, rose gold pieces do develop a slight patina. The development of a patina generally gives rose gold pieces a deeper, more reddish tone.

14k vs. 18k Rose Gold

When choosing a rose gold piece, you’ll typically come across 14 and 18-karat variants. The difference between the karats lies in the amount of pure gold each contains. This influences the color, strength, and price of the piece.

14k rose gold consists of approximately 58% pure gold and 42% other metals - mostly copper and some silver. With a greater amount of copper present, 14k rose gold pieces typically show a deep, red hue.
18k rose gold contains 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals. With a higher gold percentage, 18k rose gold pieces have a less reddish hue than their 14k counterparts. Furthermore, being more pure in gold, 18k rose gold pieces are generally more expensive.

Deciding between 14k and 18k rose gold depends on what your preferences are and if you like a lighter or richer red hue.

Does Rose Gold Tarnish?

A common concern we hear from clients is whether their rose gold piece will tarnish over time. While rose gold won’t tarnish in the way silver or other metals might, it can develop a slight patina as it ages. This is due to the copper content. As the piece ages, the copper in it gradually reacts with air and the environment, making its reddish color deeper and more pronounced.

Some people actually love the slightly vintage look this gives, their jewelry. Some see it as their piece developing some “character”.

If you prefer to maintain its original finish, regular gentle cleaning and polishing can help keep your rose gold looking fresh and bright.

How to Care for Rose Gold Jewelry

Your jewelry is an investment. Taking care of your rose gold piece will help ensure it looks great for years to come. Here are some care tips:

Cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush and a mixture of warm water with a mild soap to gently clean your jewelry. Rinse well and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Note that if your rose gold piece has sensitive or delicate gemstones—especially softer ones like opal or porous stones like pearls—it may be best to bring it to a professional jeweler for a professional cleaning.
Storage: Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or jewelry box to avoid scratching, especially if it’s worn alongside harder metals or stones.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Remove your rose gold piece when using cleaning products, swimming in chlorinated pools, or applying perfumes and lotions. These substances can wear down the metal or cause buildup.

Explore Rose Gold Jewelry at Vena Nova

If you're considering rose gold for your next jewelry piece—whether it's an engagement ring or a special gift—we'd love to help. At Vena Nova in Calgary, we specialize in lab-grown diamond jewelry and offer many designs in both 14k and 18k rose gold. At our showroom, we’ll walk you through your options and help you find something that suits your taste and lifestyle.

Visit us at Calgary’s Market Mall, or connect with us through phone or email to see how we can help.