The Rose Gold Wedding Ring
|
| Rose/Pink Gold | Yellow Gold | White Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18K | |||
| 14K | |||
| 10K |
As you can see from the table, 18K gold has the highest overall resistance to scratching. A rose gold wedding ring or a pink gold wedding band made with 18K can have a higher resistance to scratching than an 18K yellow gold ring, but typically white gold has more increased resistance to scratching than yellow and pink or rose gold of the same karat alloy.
Gold alloys of 9 carat have a HV rating of between 70 - 105 depending on the alloy recipe. Sterling silver has an HV rating of 75, and so in some cases 9 carat rings can have a lower resistance to scratching than sterling silver.
Keep in mind that resistance to scratching is just one part of the durability puzzle. Any type of 18K gold wedding band – whether it is rose, yellow or white – will wear better with time than a 14K, 10K or 9C gold ring.
Also, unlike white gold wedding rings, rose gold wedding rings will always retain their original color. There is no need to have the rings plated every few years, as is the case with white gold rings which require continual rhodium plating applications to retain their original white color.
If you are looking for a rose gold wedding ring with the highest durability potential, stick with 18K rose gold for the best results. A 14K rose gold engagement ring or wedding ring is also a good option, especially if you are on a budget, but for the purposes of a wedding ring or engagement ring it is best not to go below 14K rose gold.
Care for Rose Gold Wedding Rings
Rose gold wedding rings require the same care as yellow gold rings. Avoid exposing a rose gold wedding band or engagement ring to hard knocks or blows – if scratches, dings or even bends in the ring occurs, have the ring repaired by a professional jeweler. (One of the benefits of rose and yellow gold wedding rings is that they are usually easier to fix and repair than rings made with other metals).
To keep the ring clean, occasionally wash the ring in warm water with a small amount of gentle soap - then thoroughly dry the ring. If the ring needs to be stored, store the ring in a soft jewelry pouch so it cannot be scratched by other pieces of jewelry.
A rose gold engagement ring or wedding ring will not tarnish. Instead, rose gold rings develop a rich patina over time – it can take a lifetime for the patina to begin to develop, and a patina on a vintage or antique rose gold wedding ring is highly desirable and adds to the value of the ring.
Rose Gold Wedding Ring Shopping Precautions
As you shop for rose gold wedding bands, keep these precautions and tips in mind:
It is not possible to discern the karat of a rose gold wedding ring based on the ring’s color. A 10K pink gold wedding band can be just as bright and as light as an 18K pink gold wedding ring. Use caution if someone tries to tell you that a ring is 18K rose gold just because it is a light pink color.
Stay away from ‘rose gold plate’ rings. These rings are usually made of silver, or even brass or pure copper, and then plated with an extremely thin layer – usually much less than the width of a human hair – of rose gold. The outer plate will wear off in a matter of months, and these types of rings are usually manufactured with the cheapest metals and materials and low standards of workmanship.
It is not possible to tell how old a rose gold wedding ring is by its color. In shady antique or vintage markets, cheap rose gold rings which have been recently produced are sold as antiques. If you are interested in antique or vintage gold wedding bands, stick with reputable antique jewelry businesses you can trust.
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Rose Gold Patina on Engagement Ring
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I have an absolutely gorgeous engagement ring from the early 1800's - rose cut diamonds set in silver with a rose gold band that was thoroughly, gorgeously ...
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