Everything you need to know about red gold and rose gold

Rose gold and red gold jewellery gets its typical colour from a proportion of copper added to the alloy in varying amounts. The higher the copper content, the more intense the reddish colour. Red gold contains a higher proportion of copper and therefore has the special reddish colour, which is very similar to copper. In addition to the colour, copper gives the red gold alloy extra hardness and strength.

Rose gold is a particularly noble variety of red gold that usually has proportions of 75% fine gold, about 20% copper and about 5% silver. Rose gold is often referred to simply as red gold. The proportion of copper and silver in rose gold is lower than in most other varieties of red gold, and the proportion of fine gold, which determines the value, is correspondingly slightly higher.

Reddish gold is particularly suited to darker skin tones, where the contrast is at its best.

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What is the difference between rose gold and red gold?

Rose gold and red gold share similar color tones, but they differ in composition and shades of red.

Rose gold is a gold alloy that usually contains about 75% pure gold, 20-25% copper and a small amount of silver. The copper level gives it a pink or rose-like colour, hence the name “rose gold”. The silver in rose gold helps balance the colour and creates different shades, from subtle pink to a deeper pink colour.

On the other hand, red gold has a higher copper content, giving it a more intense colour similar to copper or maroon. The typical composition of red gold includes about 50-75% pure gold and 25-50% copper, with little or no silver content. The higher proportion of copper produces a stronger red colour.

Both rose gold and red gold have gold alloys with a reddish hue, but they have different compositions and therefore show distinct shades of red. Rose gold tends to have a lighter, pinkish hue due to its balanced mix of copper and silver, while red gold has a stronger, reddish-brown colour due to its higher copper content. Both are beautiful options for jewellery and add a unique touch to your style statement. Which you choose depends on your personal taste and which shade of red you prefer for your jewellery.

Can you tell the difference between red gold and rose gold?

With red gold, fine shades of red can be created by varying the individual components. If copper is the main component of the red gold alloy, the material will have a deep red colour. For example, 333 red gold contains 33.3 per cent fine gold and 66.7 per cent copper. Red gold takes on an orange-gold colour when the fine gold content is higher than 585.

Remember that red gold or rose gold are not standardised and come in a wide variety of colours. Therefore, there is jewellery that has many different shades of copper-red.

Rose gold is considered to be gold which, due to its gold alloy, has a colour spectrum ranging from silvery cold pink to a warm apricot shade. The characteristic reddish hue of precious 750 rose gold is achieved by an alloy of 75 per cent fine gold, 20.5 per cent copper and 4.5 per cent silver.

Both red and rose gold are generally available with a gold content of between 33.3 per cent and 75 per cent. 333 rose gold is the cheapest alloy. As you can see, there is no exact definition based on the composition, so it is always advisable to pay attention to the exact details of the gold content, as high-quality 750 gold also facilitates a possible resale.

If the copper content is too high, the material properties deteriorate and the red gold alloy tends to oxidise and discolour.

Should I choose yellow gold or red gold?

Whether you prefer to wear a red gold diamond ring or yellow gold or white gold jewellery is simply a matter of personal taste. 750 red gold is as valuable and durable as 750 yellow gold, the decisive factor for the price is the content of fine gold. Problematic metals such as nickel are no longer found in the gold varieties sold today and can at most be found in antique jewellery. Notice in the picture below that the less gold there is in the jewellery (less karat), the more copper there is in the ring which affects the colour.

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Pros and cons of rose gold and red gold

When it comes to choosing the perfect gold for your jewellery, rose gold and red gold offer different options. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages that are good to know before deciding which one to choose.

Advantages of Rose Gold:

1. Romantic and elegant: Rose gold’s soft and warm pink hue exudes romance and elegance, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other symbolic jewellery.
2. Versatile and complementary: Rose gold complements a wide range of skin tones, adding a touch of sophistication and femininity to any outfit.
3. Resistant to oxidation: Rose gold is resistant to oxidation, allowing it to retain its lustrous finish for a longer period of time.
4. A modern trend: Rose gold has seen an increase in popularity in recent years, making it a contemporary and fashion-conscious choice for those seeking a unique and stylish look.

Cons with rose gold

1. Limited availability: Rose gold is rarer than other gold alloys, which can result in higher prices compared to traditional yellow gold.
2. Sensitivity to certain skin tones: Although rose gold generally suits different skin tones, it may not be as suitable as other gold colours for some individuals. However, this is entirely down to personal taste.
3. Not a pure gold shade: Many gold jewellery enthusiasts prefer classic yellow or white gold, as rose gold deviates from the traditional gold shade.

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Pros with red gold:

1. Stands out: Red gold’s rich reddish hue gives it a grainy appearance, distinguishing it from other gold varieties and offering a unique look. Red gold’s rarity and special appearance allows for the creation of unique jewellery that stands out from the crowd.
2. Harder material: The higher copper content of red gold provides extra durability and strength, making it less susceptible to scratches and wear.

Cons with red gold:

1. Skin sensitivity: Individuals with copper allergies should be careful when wearing rose gold, as the higher copper content can cause skin irritation.
2. Limited use: Due to its intense colour, rose gold can be less versatile and more difficult to match with certain gemstones, outfits and skin tones.

Finally, the choice between rose gold and red gold comes down to personal preference and the purpose of the jewellery. Both varieties offer great options for those seeking distinctive and unusual jewellery that reflects their individuality. Whether you choose the romantic appeal of rose gold or the elegance of red gold, these unique gold colours are sure to make a great impression.

Frequently asked questions about rose and red gold

• Are rose gold and red gold hypoallergenic?
  SourceBoth rose gold and red gold can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those who are sensitive to copper. If you have experienced allergic reactions to copper in the past, you should be careful about wearing rose gold or red gold jewellery. If you are unsure how your skin reacts, it is best to consult a dermatologist or jeweller for advice.
• Which is more valuable, rose gold or red gold?The value of both rose gold and red gold depends mainly on the gold content of the alloy. The higher the gold content, the more valuable the jewellery will be. As both rose and red gold can have different gold contents, there is no general rule as to which is more valuable. It is best to check the gold content and any other precious metals in the jewellery to determine its value.
• How can I be sure that my jewellery is made of real rose or red gold?To ensure that your jewellery is made of real rose or red gold, look for a stamp that shows the gold content of the jewellery. In Sweden, stamps are used to indicate the gold content and authenticity of the jewellery. Common stamps for rose gold are “750” or “18K”, which indicates 18 carat gold. For red gold, stamps such as ‘585’ (14K) or ‘750’ (18K) can be used. If in doubt, visit a trusted goldsmith or gold expert who can confirm the authenticity of the jewellery. At Tavex, we help private customers trade and identify gold!
• How can I avoid allergic reactions to rose and red gold?If you have a history of allergic reactions to copper or other metals, it is best to choose jewellery with a higher gold content, as these usually contain less copper. Alternatively, you can choose jewellery in other precious metals that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, such as platinum or palladium. If you already have rose gold or red gold jewellery and are experiencing irritation, remove the jewellery immediately and consult a dermatologist for advice.

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