What is Rose Gold? Is it Real? Is it Magnetic and Hypoallergenic? Does it Tarnish, Corrode and Rust?

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What is rose gold?

Is rose gold more valuable than yellow gold? Is rose gold real gold on not?

Is rose gold magnetic? Does it tarnish, rust and oxidize?

Learn it all and more in my guide below.

Here’s an awesome quiz about rose gold based on my post. Take it after you’ve read my guide here.

What is Rose Gold? Is it Real? Is it Magnetic and Hypoallergenic? Does it Tarnish, Corrode and Rust?

Table of Contents

Is Rose Gold Real Gold? What is it Made of?

Yes, rose gold is real gold.

Rose gold is an alloy of yellow gold and other metals, primarily copper which gives it its pinkish-red hue.

The copper content determines the color intensity; higher copper content leads to a deeper red.

Yellow gold and copper are primary metals in a rose gold alloy, but occasionally small amounts of silver are added to adjust the color and improve the metal’s workability and durability.

Is Rose Gold Magnetic? Is Rose Gold Jewelry Magnetic?

No, rose gold isn’t magnetic. Rose gold is an alloy of yellow gold, copper and small amounts of silver.

Pure yellow gold isn’t magnetic. Copper isn’t magnetic. And silver isn’t magnetic too.

Therefore, a piece of rose gold jewelry won’t ever be attracted to a magnet.

You have fake rose gold jewelry in your hands if you tried to magnetize your jewelry item and it worked. In that case bring your item to a professional jeweler for a thorough reevaluation.

Rose gold isn't magnetic — Rose gold isn’t magnetic

Does Rose Gold Tarnish? Does it Corrode, Rust and Oxidize?

No, rose gold doesn’t tarnish. Similar to yellow gold not tarnishing. However, rose gold changes it’s appearance and loses it’s luster over time.

It’s because the copper in rose gold alloy reacts with various Earth’s elements and common house substance to produce unwanted change in how rose gold jewelry looks.

Below are all the potential tarnishing-causing substances and their effect on rose gold jewelry items.

Fire. Fire and strong flames don’t tarnish and corrode rose gold. Rose gold is stable under heat, though extreme temperatures can cause the copper to oxidize and give rose gold a darker red hue.
Water. Rose gold doesn’t tarnish in water. Water has zero effect on rose gold and can’t tarnish or corrode it. However, saltwater affects rose gold jewelry items over time due to its corrosive nature, especially affecting the copper content in the alloy.
Chlorine. Chlorine tarnishes and corrodes rose gold. The copper in rose gold makes it more susceptible to chlorine damage than other gold alloys. Chlorine reacts with the copper in the alloy and causes discoloration and structural weakening. I recommend you avoid regular exposure to chlorinated pools when wearing rose gold jewelry.
Bleach. Bleach both tarnishes and corrodes rose gold. The copper component in rose gold is particularly vulnerable to bleach. Bleach causes discoloration and deterioration of the metal over time. Avoid exposing your rose gold to bleach.
Toothpaste. Toothpaste doesn’t tarnish and corrode rose gold. However, the abrasive particles in toothpaste make tiny, microscopic scratches on the surface of the alloy. Over time this degrades the metal’s surface and diminishes its warm, rosy luster. I don’t recommend you use use toothpaste to clean your rose gold jewelry.
Vinegar. Vinegar tarnishes rose gold due to its acidity reacting with the copper content. Avoid regular contact with vinegar to maintain the appearance of rose gold jewelry. Mild and brief exposure won’t cause immediate damage.
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide doesn’t tarnish and corrode rose gold. However, rose gold can be affected by hydrogen peroxide over time. The copper in rose gold reacts with hydrogen peroxide and gets slightly discolored. It’s better to use gentler cleaning solutions specifically designed for rose gold jewelry.
Lemon juice. Lemon juice can tarnish rose gold over time. The citric acid in lemon juice can react with the copper in the rose gold alloy, potentially causing discoloration. Don’t clean rose gold with lemon juice if you love your rose gold jewelry.
Makeup. Makeup has no immediate effect on rose gold. It doesn’t tarnish, corrode, oxidize or rust rose gold jewelry items. However, some makeup products containing harsh chemicals might affect the copper content in rose gold over time.
Nitric acid. Nitric acid can affect rose gold by reacting with the copper content in the alloy. While the gold itself is resistant, the copper that gives rose gold its distinctive color is vulnerable to nitric acid, which can cause discoloration and deterioration.
Alcohol. Alcohol doesn’t tarnish or corrode rose gold. You can use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to clean your rose gold jewelry. However, frequent cleaning with alcohol isn’t recommended as alcohol dries out the metal and affects the copper content over time. Your rose gold will develop a patina sooner if you regularly clean it with alcohol.

Rose gold doesn't tarnish, corrode, rust and oxidize when exposed to water, fire, baking soda, nitric acid, vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, makeup and toothpaste. — Rose gold doesn’t tarnish, corrode, rust and oxidize when exposed to water, fire, baking soda, nitric acid, vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, makeup and toothpaste.

Does Rose Gold Fade?

No, rose gold doesn’t fade.

Rose gold develops a slight patina over time due to the oxidation of the copper content. Copper oxidation causes it to darken and take on more reddish undertones.

This change is gradual, you’ll notice it way in advance and you’ll be able to prevent this by getting your rose gold item professionally polished.

Comparison of yellow gold ring and rose gold ring with a noticeable patina- source

How to make rose gold fine Jewelry

What is Rose Gold Vermeil?

Rose gold vermeil is a type of jewelry where a thick layer of solid rose gold is bonded to a sterling silver base.

Think of rose gold vermeil as form of gold plating, but with a thicker layer and a high-quality silver base, making it more durable and valuable than typical gold-plated jewelry.

The gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns (0.0025mm) thick, and the base metal is sterling silver (925).

Rose gold vermeil visually differs from standard yellow gold vermeil. Rose gold has a warm pinkish hue due to the addition of copper to the gold alloy, while traditional gold vermeil has the classic yellow gold appearance.
Rose gold vermeil is popular because it’s more affordable than pure rose gold (sterling silver is significantly cheaper than rose gold).

What is rose gold vermeil? Is it valuable? Share on X

Is it Possible to Turn Rose Gold into Yellow Gold?

Yes, it’s possible to turn rose gold into yellow gold. However, it’s an intricate process that only a professional jeweler can do correctly.

First, the jeweler melts the rose gold. Second, they remove the copper and silver from the alloy.

Third, they re-alloy the yellow gold with different metals to enhance the yellow color and increase the durability as pure gold is a highly malleable and ductile precious metal.

The jeweler then solidifies and reshapes the jewelry.

And that’s how to turn rose gold into yellow gold.

Is Rose Gold Natural? Is Raw Rose Gold Real? Do Rose Gold Ores Exist? How is it Mined?

No, rose gold isn’t natural. Rose gold is a handmade alloy of yellow gold and other metals, primarily copper which gives it its pinkish-red hue. Raw rose gold isn’t real and doesn’t exist in nature.

Rose gold ores don’t exist.

Is Rose Gold Silver?

No, rose gold isn’t silver. Rose gold is an alloy of yellow gold, copper and small amounts of silver.

Silver is a precious metal and the second most widely appreciated throughout history, after gold.

Take a look at the visual difference between rose gold ring and silver ring. There’s also a gold ring in the picture but feel free to ignore it this time.

Comparison of silver, rose gold and yellow gold ring- source

Is Rose Gold Hypoallergenic?

Yes, rose gold is hypoallergenic. The main ingredients of a rose gold alloy are yellow gold, copper and small amounts of silver.

All three of these metals are hypoallergenic, thus making rose gold hypoallergenic. This means most people won’t have any allergic reaction wearing rose gold jewelry.

It’s possible to be allergic to copper, but copper allergies happen far and between compared to far more common nickel allergies.

Copper allergies can happen, but are far less common than nickel allergies- source

Rose gold isn't allergenic. It's hypoallergenic. Share on X

Which Karats is Rose Gold Available in?

Rose gold is commonly available in 14-karat and 18-karat. 14-karat rose gold typically has a more pronounced pink hue, while 18-karat rose gold has a slightly more yellow or brassier tone.

14K rose gold is more common on the market than 18K rose gold. It’s because 14K rose gold looks more rosy while 18K rose gold looks more yellow than rose.

People who want rose gold usually want it because or its warm red-pinkish hue and 18K rose gold is just too yellow for them.

For example, take a look at this Reddit thread about rose gold karat varieties.

A professional jeweler there says she likes to work with 14K rose gold because it’s durable, strong and has a warm pink tone. 18k rose gold is softer and too yellow. Whereas 8k and 9k rose gold have an unappealing orange hue to them.

Purely mathematically speaking 14k rose gold contains about 58% pure gold and 42% copper alloys while a 18k rose gold contains about 75% pure gold and 25% copper alloys.

14k vs 18k rose gold comparison example 1- source

14k vs 18k rose gold comparison example 2- source

Is it Possible to Include Rose Gold as Part of a Gold IRA Account?

No, it isn’t possible to include rose gold as part of a gold IRA account.

Gold IRA account can only contain gold IRA approved coins and bars. Other IRA-approved precious metals are silver, platinum and palladium.

Augusta Precious Metals is the place where you can buy genuine IRA-approved gold without worrying about a multitude of gold IRA scams.

Augusta is the best gold IRA company in the US and working with them is safe, secure and fast.

They also waive all fees for 10 years for all new customers.

Get Augusta's free guide here! — Read my Augusta Precious Metals review next!

Do Rose Gold Coins and Bars Exist? Is That Bullion Real?

Rose gold bars don’t exist. Rose gold coins exist, but they’re rare and exclusively released as special editions or commemorative pieces.

For example, here’s this 2019 Tuvalu 2 oz Rose Gold 60th Anniversary Barbie™ Proof.

This rose gold coin was the second release in an exclusive series celebrating 60 years since Barbie’s debut.

Only 60 of these coins were minted and the value of each coin far surpasses their precious metal content.