Rose gold is a mix of yellow gold, copper, and silver.
Rose gold gets its distinctive pinkish-red hue from a specific combination of metals. According to the reference, rose gold is a mixture of yellow gold, copper and silver. This careful blending of precious and base metals creates the beautiful and popular colour.
The Composition of Rose Gold
Unlike pure gold (24 karats), which is too soft for most jewelry, rose gold is an alloy. This means it's a mixture of gold with other metals to improve its strength and alter its colour.
Here are the primary components that make up rose gold:
- Yellow Gold: This is the base precious metal. The amount of yellow gold determines the karat of the rose gold (e.g., 18K, 14K, 10K).
- Copper: This is the key ingredient responsible for the red or pink colour. The reference states that "The copper in rose gold gives the metal a redder colour than yellow gold naturally has." More copper typically results in a redder shade.
- Silver: A small amount of silver is usually included in the mix. Silver helps to balance the copper and gold, influencing the final colour and malleability of the alloy.
Common Rose Gold Mix
While proportions can vary slightly depending on the desired shade and karat, here's a general idea of the mix for a common karat like 18K (which contains 75% pure gold):
| Metal | Approximate Percentage in Alloy (18K) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Gold | 75% | Precious metal base, primary value |
| Copper | Around 20-22% | Provides the characteristic pink/red colour |
| Silver | Around 3-5% | Modifies colour, improves workability |
For lower karats like 14K (58.3% pure gold), the percentage of copper and silver will be higher.
Why These Metals?
The specific mix of gold, copper, and silver is chosen because:
- Gold: Provides the precious metal value and inherent properties of gold.
- Copper: Is cost-effective and an excellent metal for imparting a reddish tone when alloyed with gold.
- Silver: Helps refine the colour and makes the alloy more suitable for manufacturing.
In summary, rose gold is a deliberate alloy, primarily gold mixed with copper and a touch of silver, to achieve its signature romantic hue.
