Guide to Rose Gold Engagement Rings: Is Rose Gold Right for You?

Alicia Briggs | December 08, 2023

When choosing an engagement ring, consider the metal color from the start to help you find the perfect ring. The metal color directly affects the style of your ring, including how beautiful and brilliant your center diamond appears. If you gravitate towards more distinct styles or vintage-inspired designs, a rose gold engagement ring may be perfect for you.

Rose gold’s soft, romantic hue adds the perfect personal touch to any engagement ring. Read on to discover what to consider when buying a rose gold ring, including how to choose the perfect details, and VRAI created diamond.

Is Rose Gold a Real Gold?

Rose gold is real gold. A rose gold engagement ring has a setting made from 14k solid rose gold. Rose gold, like all 14k solid gold, is made of 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts of another alloy (typically copper). VRAI rose gold engagement rings are composed of 58.5% gold and 41.5% copper.

Is It Okay to Get a Rose Gold Engagement Ring?

Rose gold is a romantic and popular choice for an engagement ring. Rose gold has been sought-after since the early 1800s. It adds a regal or vintage-inspired look to any design. If you love the historic appearance of rose gold, or you prefer a more unique ring setting, then consider getting a rose gold engagement ring.

Rose Gold vs Gold Engagement Ring

Rose gold looks decidedly different than white gold, but many shoppers struggle to decide between rose gold and yellow gold. While rose gold is not necessarily better than yellow gold, and vice versa, it may be better for you.

When it comes to choosing a colored gold, you should select the color that you’ll love to wear. Yellow gold is the color associated with gold itself. It appeals to people with a more traditional style. Rose gold, although timeless, is sometimes considered more trendy. It’s best for shoppers with bolder or vintage-inspired tastes.

Most yellow gold engagement rings are made from 18k solid gold, whereas rose gold rings are generally made from 14k solid gold. 18k solid gold features 18 parts of pure gold to 6 parts other alloys. It tends to be a bit softer than 14k gold and has a slightly brighter coloring. It’s important to be more mindful when taking 18k gold off, as it should always be removed for labor-intensive work.

14k solid rose gold is considered slightly more durable. It’s also slightly less expensive than yellow gold. When deciding between the two, consider which gold color you prefer the look of, as well as your lifestyle and budget.

What Is the Meaning of a Rose Gold Engagement Ring?

Rose gold engagement rings symbolize romance and intimacy. As such, rose gold is a highly meaningful choice for an engagement ring.

Pros and Cons of Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Before choosing a rose gold engagement ring, consider the advantages and disadvantages of rose gold:

Pros

  • Durable
  • Scratch Resistant
  • More Affordable
  • Unique Rosy Hue
  • Historic Appearance
  • Versatile & Flattering for All

Cons

  • Less Traditional
  • Not Ideal for Higher Color Grades
  • Bolder
  • Fewer Options Available

How to Choose a Rose Gold Ring

Before buying a rose gold engagement ring, consider the following to select the perfect details for your ring.

Diamond Shape

A rose gold band can directly influence the diamond shape you choose. Consider your preferred ring style when choosing your diamond shape. Each shape has a different look when paired with rose gold.

Oval rose gold engagement rings are particularly popular for shoppers who prefer a vintage-inspired ring. Rose gold Princess cut engagement rings, on the other hand, are preferred by shoppers who want a more modern ring.

Diamond Color

Consider the color grade when choosing diamonds for your rose gold ring. Rose gold can mask hints of yellow in near-colorless and faintly colored diamonds. This makes rose gold an excellent metal choice if your center diamond has a lower color grade. It also allows you to save on the total ring cost, especially if you choose a diamond shape that hides color.

Rose gold can imbue colorless diamonds with unwanted color. If you choose a colorless center diamond, you can end up paying more for a diamond that looks less white when set in a rose gold band.

Style

Rose gold can impact an engagement ring’s overall style. Rose gold naturally brings a vintage-inspired appearance to any setting, so it’s an ideal choice for shoppers who prefer that style.

If you want your ring to have a more contemporary look but you still want a rose gold band, keep that in mind as you narrow down settings. A sleek, linear ring setting and diamond shape will help create a modern design.

Quality

The quality of rose gold is essential to ensure that your rose gold band has the desired hue and durability. Make sure you’re choosing real, 14k rose gold with a certified lab-grown diamond, found in all VRAI engagement rings.

14k vs 18k Rose Gold: What Karat Is Best for Rose Gold?

14k solid gold is better than 18k gold for rose gold engagement rings. While 18k gold is best for yellow and white gold engagement rings, 14k gold is ideal for rose gold.

Rose gold is mixed with copper and/or silver to achieve its rosy hue. Depending on the amount of copper, the appearance of rose gold can vary. More copper results in a more pronounced red color. When blended with solid yellow gold, or sometimes mixed with silver, the color softens.

14k rose gold rings have the perfect percentage of 10 parts solid gold and 10 parts alloy to achieve the desired rose gold color. With 18k gold, there are 18 parts gold and 6 parts alloy, so 18k rose gold won’t have the same sought-after pinkish color. This is why VRAI exclusively uses 14k gold for all rose gold engagement rings and fine jewelry.

Best Rose Gold Engagement Ring Settings

Rose gold is a versatile metal choice that stuns in any setting. However, rose gold naturally has a romantic, distinct look that particularly enhances certain ring styles. Discover some of our best-selling rose gold engagement ring settings below.

Vintage Rose Gold Engagement Rings

When used in settings such as the Halo, the Duet, or the Three Stone, rose gold can give a ring an instant vintage-inspired look. Play with different historic diamond shapes and pavé details for vintage-inspired rose gold rings for women.

Unique Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Rose gold engagement rings are unique in themselves because rose gold is a less common metal choice. But this romantic hue pairs particularly well with innovative, diamond-forward settings, fancy shapes, and less common prong types.

Rose Gold Ring Sets

An easy way to pair rose gold engagement rings with wedding bands is to choose a rose gold band for each. Choose rose gold wedding rings with the same style as your engagement ring, such as matching settings.

You can also mix and match styles for a cohesive look. For example, a plain rose gold wedding band will balance out a diamond-forward engagement ring and vice versa.

How to Clean Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Clean your rose gold engagement ring once a week to prevent dullness and buildup. Regular cleaning ensures your diamond remains brilliant and protected.

To clean your rose gold engagement ring:

  1. Mix 1 tsp of dish soap into one cup of warm water until fully dissolved.
  2. Dip your rose gold engagement ring in the solution and use a soft cloth (or soft bristle toothbrush) to gently scrub clean.
  3. Rinse with clean water and let dry on a clean, soft cloth.

You should have your ring professionally cleaned at least once a year. Every VRAI engagement ring purchase comes with a Lifetime Care Package that includes complimentary annual cleaning.

Can I Wear Rose Gold in the Shower?

Rose gold itself won’t be damaged if you wear it in the shower. If your rose gold jewelry has a diamond, however, we recommend avoiding all water, including the shower. If you do get your rose gold ring wet, you can clean your jewelry to prevent dullness or buildup.

Does Rose Gold Rust?

Rose gold does not rust or tarnish. If your rose gold ring is starting to dull, it most likely just needs to be cleaned.

Shop Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Are you ready to shine bright with your very own rose gold engagement ring? All VRAI rose gold engagement rings feature recycled solid rose gold and our Carbon Neutral Certified lab-grown diamonds.

When you choose a rose gold VRAI created diamond engagement ring, you’re choosing a ring that reflects your values and your love.

Rose Gold Engagement Ring FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about rose gold.

Is Rose Gold Very Expensive?

Rose gold is often less expensive than white and yellow gold because it has slightly less solid gold.

Does Rose Gold Scratch Easily?

Rose gold does not scratch easily. Rose gold is known for its durability as it has a higher percentage of copper than yellow gold.

Is Rose Gold Still in Style?

Rose gold has always remained in style. Despite once being dubbed as “trendy” in the 2010s, rose gold jewelry is a timeless choice that has endured since the 1800s.

Is Rose Gold Too Soft for an Engagement Ring?

No, 14k rose gold is not too soft for an engagement ring. It’s harder and more durable than 18k yellow and white gold engagement rings.

Do Diamonds Look Better in Rose Gold?

Diamonds look beautiful in rose gold. As far as gemstones go, diamonds are the best choice for rose gold as their white, clear beauty complements rose gold's hue. Different colored gemstones may clash instead.

Who Does Rose Gold Look Best On?

Rose gold looks good on everyone, which is one of the reasons why it's popular. Unlike other gold colors, rose gold flatters all skin tones.

Is Rose Gold Too Girly?

Rose gold is not too girly. It has a soft, subtle pink hue that creates a regal appearance, suitable for any gender and style.