While rose gold has already been declared a trend for spring and summer of 2011, bangles, dangling earrings, and chunky cuffs aren't the only place this precious metal is popping up. Even the wedding industry is getting in on the action. Rose gold wedding bands and engagement rings, increasing in popularity among brides and grooms, are getting a warm reception.
Rose gold is known for its distinctive hue, which can range from subtle pink or mauve to a deep reddish color. As in all varieties of gold, gold’s color is determined by the alloy used in production. Pure gold is naturally a dull yellow and is far too soft and malleable for use in jewelry. Thus all gold jewelry is an alloy of pure gold with other metals. The karat number, such as 14k or 18k, indicates the gold's purity, or the number of parts of pure gold relative to an alloy metal. A higher karat indicates a higher ratio of pure gold to alloy.
Copper is the alloy metal that gives rose gold its warm color. Yellow gold also incorporates copper as one of its main alloy metals, though in smaller amounts. The depth and strength of the color of rose gold is determined by the percentage of copper used in the alloy. More copper results in a stronger reddish hue. In durability, strength, and luster, rose gold is identical to other varieties of gold of the same cartage. 18K rose gold, for example, contains a minimum of 25% copper.
Brides and grooms in recent years have expanded beyond the traditional yellow gold engagement ring and wedding band. While yellow gold continues to be a top seller in wedding jewelry, those who favored durability, luxury, and long-lasting luster (and who could afford to pay for it) picked platinum. White gold came on the scene as a popular option for the bride or groom seeking the more modern, silvery look without the platinum price tag.
Now, brides and grooms who desire a wedding band that is modern and fresh, yet classic and elegant turn their eyes to rose gold wedding bands. But this unique metal is hardly an innovation on the jewelry scene. Popular in Russian courts in the early 20th century, it was known as "Russian gold." Today rose gold (also known as "red gold") is seeing a modern revival across the jewelry spectrum as well in the category of wedding jewelry.
Styles abound in wedding rings crafted of the rosy colored metal. In addition to solid rose gold, popular offerings include two- and three-tone gold bands, integrating white, and or yellow gold, often as accents, against a base or background of rose gold.
In value, rose gold wedding bands match up with their yellow and white gold counterparts of the same cartage. The value of a piece of gold in jewelry is determined by the amount of pure gold present in the alloy. As rose gold is the same as yellow and white gold in this respect, prices will be comparable if not identical.
A fresh look, great value, and modern style make rose gold wedding bands an attractive option for brides and grooms. It's a perfect match for those rose-colored glasses that every good marriage requires.
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