Gold vs Rose Gold: Difference and Comparison

Gold is still preferred by many people when it comes to picking engagement rings. Gold engagement rings come in several different colours, like rose gold, yellow, and white.

People who prefer silver or platinum-looking rings choose white gold, on the other hand, yellow gold is preferred by those who are a fan of the typical gold look. Similarly, Gold and Rose gold are different and have some different features.

Key Takeaways

  1. Rose gold contains copper, which gives it a pinkish hue, while gold does not.
  2. Gold is more resistant to tarnish and scratches than rose gold.
  3. Rose gold jewellery has gained popularity for its unique appearance and romantic connotations.

Gold vs Rose Gold

The difference between gold and rose gold is that gold refers to pure gold, a metal known for its yellowish appearance. Gold is also a mineral that has a yellowish streak, hackly fracture, and a metallic lustre. On the other hand, rose gold is an alloy of copper, gold, and silver. When there is a moderate amount of copper in the gold-copper alloy, it is called rose gold.

Gold vs Rose Gold

Gold is a metal known for its yellowish appearance. It is one of the heaviest elements. Gold is malleable enough to make it into many shapes. Gold can be made into wire or into a broadsheet.

Gold is considered a good conductor of heat and electricity. Generally, gold is non-reactive. Gold is considered one of the earliest materials used by humans. The earliest evidence of using gold dates back to 4000 B.C. 

Rose gold is an alloy of gold, copper, and silver. Rose gold was first used in Russia in the 19th Century by a jeweller named Carl Faberge. During the feminine and lavish 1920’ rose gold gained popularity in the United States.

Rose gold is a romantic and subtle colour that translates into engagement rings and elegant, romantic fine jewellery. 

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonGoldRose Gold
DefinitionGold refers to pure gold which is a metal. Gold is also a mineral that has a yellowish streak, hackly fracture, and a metallic luster. 
             
             
Rose gold is the alloy of gold, copper, and silver.
First usageGold is considered one of the oldest metals to be used by human beings. The earliest evidence of using gold is dated back to 4000 B.C. 
  
             
Rose gold was first used in Russia in the 19th Century by a jeweler named Carl Faberge. 
Color The color of gold is yellowish.
             
The rose gold has a pinkish or reddish color.
MalleabilityPure gold is more malleable compared to rose gold. Gold can be made into wire, or into a broadsheet. 
             
Rose gold is a less malleable material compared to pure gold.
CostPure gold costs are higher than any gold-copper alloy. 
             
Rose gold costs less than pure gold.

What is Gold?

Gold refers to pure gold, a chemical element with many characteristics that have made this material valuable. It is attractive in brightness and colour and highly malleable.

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Gold is also a mineral that has a yellowish streak, hackly fracture, and a metallic lustre. Gold is considered one of the oldest metals to be used by human beings.

Gold is also a mineral that has a yellowish streak, hackly fracture, and a metallic lustre. Gold is considered one of the oldest metals to be used by human beings. The earliest evidence of using gold dates back to 4000 B.C. 

Gold is considered one of the densest metals and is a good conductor of electricity and heat. It is also highly malleable and soft. Gold is found in hydrothermal quartz veins. It is resistant to most acids and even insoluble in nitric acids. 

Due to its softness, pure gold is alloyed with several base metals for making jewellery. Whereas many of the metals are silvery or grey, gold is yellowish.

As of 2020, a total of almost 201,296 tons of gold exists above the earth’s surface. The usage of gold worldwide is about 50% in making jewellery, 40% in investment works, and 10% in industrial work.

 Gold has been a medicinal application for a long time. Many gold complexes are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, including aurothioglucose, auranofin, and aurothiomalate.

Gold is also used in food. Gold flake, dust, and leaf are used in several gourmet foods.

gold

What is Rose Gold?

Rose gold is a gold alloy made with gold, copper, and silver. The tone of the rose gold depends on the ratio of gold, silver, and copper. The more copper there is in the alloy, the more it gets reddish.

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Rose gold is a romantic, subtle gold colour used in elegant, romantic engagement rings and fine jewellery. 

Rose gold was first used in Russia in the 19th Century by a jeweller named Carl Faberge. During the feminine and lavish 1920’ rose gold gained popularity in the United States.

Over the years, its popularity has come and gone, dictated mostly by starlets and fashion. 

By adding copper and silver to the pure gold, the alloy gets stronger and more durable than pure gold. High-quality and well-made rose gold is beautiful and durable.

The copper in the alloy makes it strong as copper is one of the most durable metals, which is even used in electric conductors, transportation like cars and trains, and construction.

During the beginning of the 21st century, due to the comeback of the rose gold colour in fashion, this alloy became popular in jewellery. Rose gold is the colour that goes with every skin tone. It also goes with white gold pieces or sterling silver.

rose gold

Main Differences Between Gold and Rose Gold 

  1. Gold refers to pure gold, which is a metal. Gold is also a mineral that has a yellowish streak, hackly fracture, and a metallic lustre. On the other hand, Rose gold is an alloy of gold, copper, and silver.
  2. Gold is considered one of the oldest metals to be used by human beings. The earliest evidence of using gold dates back to 4000 B.C. Rose gold was first used in Russia in the 19th Century by a jeweller named Carl Faberge. 
  3. The colour of gold is yellowish. On the other hand, rose gold has a pinkish or reddish colour.
  4. Pure gold is more malleable compared to rose gold. Gold can be made into wire or into a broadsheet. Rose gold is a less malleable material compared to pure gold.
  5. Pure gold costs are higher than any gold-copper alloy. Rose gold costs less than pure gold.
Difference Between Gold and Rose Gold
References
  1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/030801892791925448
  2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02853528

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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4 thoughts on “Gold vs Rose Gold: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The malleability and conductivity of gold make it a truly remarkable metal. Its long history of use by humans, coupled with its unique properties, solidifies its status as a coveted material for various applications. Its usage in both jewellery and industrial settings is truly impressive.

    Reply
  2. The distinction between gold and rose gold is quite fascinating. The copper content in rose gold gives it a unique pinkish hue, which sets it apart from traditional gold.

    Reply
  3. The historical background of gold and rose gold, as well as their rise in popularity through various periods, is intriguing. It’s clear that trends and fashion play a significant role in the demand for these metals.

    Reply
  4. It’s interesting to note that gold is highly resistant to tarnish and scratches in comparison to rose gold. Understanding the differences in durability between the two metals is crucial for making informed choices when selecting jewellery.

    Reply

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