an insignia engagement ring in rose gold

Rose Gold vs. Yellow Gold: 6 Key Differences

Although yellow gold remains a timeless engagement ring and wedding ring classic, rose gold continues to rise in popularity. If you’re not sure if you should have a rose gold engagement ring and a yellow gold wedding band, or you aren’t sure about the differences between classic yellow gold engagement rings and the trendy rose gold engagement ring, read on to learn about six key differences between the two metal types.

  • Composition of Rose Gold vs. Yellow Gold — According to the Gemological Institute of America, rose gold is made by alloying gold with copper and silver. The yellow gold alloy is normally silver, copper and zinc. Compared to white gold or even rose gold, when you wear a yellow gold ring, everyone knows you’re wearing gold. Yellow gold is hypoallergenic compared to rose gold. If you want a diamond engagement ring with a lower color grade, opting for a yellow gold band can give the engagement ring a certain warmth.

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  • How They Look — Rose gold does not occur naturally in nature. The alloy of copper and silver mixed with gold gives rose gold that signature rosy hue. Yellow gold is known for its inviting and warm appearance as a more malleable precious metal. It has a classic retro look for anyone looking for a ring that will be timeless no matter how the trends change over time.

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  • History — You’ll normally see rose gold in vintage pieces, thanks to the metal’s popularity in the 1920s. Even with its popularity in the 1920s, rose gold still has a modern look and feel for today’s tastes. However, yellow gold has historically remained the most popular kind of metal type, as seen with yellow gold engagement rings. If you want to mix and match metals, many couples choose to have one metal type for their engagement ring and another for their wedding bands. Take a look at rose gold wedding rings for ideas.

a man proposing to a woman in front of a sunset

  • Durability — The strong alloy of gold and copper found in rose gold makes this metal type more durable than gold alone. Granted, you won’t find wearable fine jewelry that’s ever 100 percent gold. If there was, it wouldn’t be wearable and durable for very long because of how fine and delicate 100 percent gold really is.  When it comes to styling either ring, you can mix and match metal types or go for a two-tone ring. For the engagement ring, you don’t have to have a diamond as the center stone. Ask Verragio about personalization options to suit your needs.

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  • Popularity — Rose gold had a fashionable revival in the early 2010s. Its popularity is a trend that looks like it’s here to stay. Yellow gold looks great on so many different skin types and works well across a wide variety of styles. Yellow gold pairs wonderfully with warm gemstones like morganite and ruby. Any of Verragio’s 18K yellow gold rings offer the purest formula of an everyday wearable investment.

a parisian engagement ring in yellow gold

  • Choosing Rose Gold vs. Yellow Gold — Today’s engagement rings are seeing a revival of vintage throwbacks. Rose gold was first used in the 19th century by the famed jeweler Carl Faberge with an emergence in popularity in the 1920s, and it’s seeing that surge in popularity once again today. While rose gold certainly has that pretty rosy color, it’s not meant for those with sensitive skin. Those who have sensitive skin or are allergic to copper shouldn’t wear rose gold. For those who aren’t sensitive or still can’t decide between the two metal types, opt for a two-tone ring.