Rose gold is typically either 14-karat or 18-karat. Most rose gold jewelry is 14-karat.
Karat Variations in Rose Gold
Rose gold isn't a pure element; it's an alloy of gold and copper, with other metals like silver sometimes added. The karat of rose gold refers to the percentage of pure gold it contains.
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14-karat Rose Gold: Contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals (primarily copper). This version is more durable and has a richer rose color due to the higher copper content. It is the most popular choice for rose gold jewelry.
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18-karat Rose Gold: Contains 75% pure gold and 25% other metals (again, primarily copper, often with some silver). This version has a slightly more subtle, yellowish-pink hue because of the higher gold content. Because it contains more gold, it's usually more expensive. Because it contains more gold, it's softer, and therefore, easier to scratch.
Why the Difference Matters
The karat affects both the color and the durability of rose gold.
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Color: The more copper in the alloy, the rosier the color. 14-karat rose gold tends to have a more pronounced pink hue than 18-karat rose gold.
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Durability: 14-karat rose gold is more durable than 18-karat rose gold. Pure gold is very soft, so adding other metals strengthens the alloy. The higher the karat, the less durable the piece.
Summary
When shopping for rose gold, be sure to check whether the piece is 14-karat or 18-karat, as this will affect its color, durability, and price. Most rose gold jewelry is 14-karat.
