Rose gold is a stunning strong metal. Its glow is captivating and unique, it works well with all skin tones, and some might say it’s almost [but not quite] perfect! Let’s, for a moment, consider the other side of the pristine beauty. Does rose gold tarnish? We’ll also explore how to maintain that beautiful blush hue, plus tips for keeping your rose gold jewelry looking like new!
Rose Gold vs Yellow Gold vs White Gold
Choosing between rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold depends on your style and maintenance preferences. Here's a quick comparison:
Rose Gold: Known for its romantic, blush-pink hue, rose gold gets its color from copper, which also makes it more durable than yellow gold. It doesn’t tarnish quite the same way as silver, but it can develop a patina over time, adding a vintage charm. With regular care and cleaning, your rose gold piece will maintain its glow. For important pieces such as a rose gold engagement ring, this durability means it can withstand daily wear while keeping its color.
Yellow Gold: The most classic of the three, yellow gold closely resembles pure gold and is available in 14k gold and 18k gold. Compared to rose gold, its bright, warm tone is timeless but can be more susceptible to gold tarnish if not properly cared for. Yellow gold is also much softer than rose gold, due to its lack of copper content.
White Gold: Created by mixing pure gold with other metals like nickel, white gold has a sleek, modern look. In contrast to rose gold, which requires minimal upkeep, white gold needs rhodium plating to maintain its silvery finish, which may require occasional reapplication. If you prefer a cool, polished style, white gold offers a sophisticated alternative but may involve more maintenance than rose gold.
The Metals in Rose Gold
Rose gold is an alloy [mixture] that’s made from pure 24K gold, copper and sometimes additional metals (like silver or palladium) to achieve a desired color or finish. Rose gold metal gets its signature blush tone from the copper content, which presents as a warm hue often referred to as pink gold.
How Copper Affects Tarnishing
Tarnishing is defined as the loss of luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture. Copper is a metal that’s prone to tarnish. The rose gold alloy typically includes copper, which can develop a patina or slightly change color. Depending on how high the copper content is in the rose gold alloy determines how pronounced the tarnishing will be. Rose gold does not tarnish in the same way that silver does, but it can lose its luster over time due to wear and exposure to chemicals. However, if your rose gold does tarnish it’s not the end of the world! There are several things you can do to maintain the glow. Regular cleaning and proper care can help preserve rose gold’s appearance and prevent any dullness.
Factors Influencing Tarnishing
High humidity and moisture levels can accelerate tarnishing. Exposure to chemical substances like perfumes, lotions and household cleaners can also contribute to your rose gold tarnishing. However, don’t give up on a tarnished jewel! For example, if you have a rose gold family heirloom that looks dull and tarnished due to age and lack of care, it can most likely be saved and brought back to life!
How to Prevent Tarnishing of Rose Gold Jewelry
Proper care, maintenance and storage can prevent tarnishing. The following are some helpful tips to consider when cleaning and caring for your rose gold jewelry.
- Steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and acetone. These substances can weaken the rose gold. Similarly, avoid abrasive cleaners such as powdered cleaners and toothpaste, as they can erode the gold and alter the color.
- Use only soft brushes as stiff-bristled or abrasive cleaning tools can scratch the rose gold.
- Be mindful of thick lotions and creams. These can leave a residue on your rose gold, making it appear dirty and potentially leading to discoloration and tarnish.
Gentle Cleaning Remedies for Rose Gold
- Good old soap and water! This method is a classic and efficient way to clean rose gold. Our favorite jewelry cleaning cocktail is: warm water, gentle dish soap and a soft toothbrush. A brush is extra important as it’s a safe way to get in between small cracks where gross things settle.
- A jewelry cleaner - like the DRD Jewelry Cleaner - also works, but there needs to be something to move the dirt away, that’s why a soft toothbrush is great. Combine water with the contents of one DRD cleanser pod in the eco-friendly jar, immerse your jewels in the solution, let rest for five minutes, then scrub with the gentle brush (that’s included) to remove any gunk, rinse, and blot dry with a soft cloth! The solution is good for several uses; however, we recommend changing out the water once it becomes murky. The system comes with two cleanser pods. [Please note this cleanser is not safe to use on pearls, soft stones or other gemstones].
- We also offer our Jewelry Dish and Cleaner Set that comes with our cleaning solution! Everyone needs a trinket tray to store their favorite everyday jewels!
Reminders:
- The gym is good for the mind/body and tough on jewels. Weight lifting, tightly gripping the handles of an elliptical, pressing your hands into the floor as you finally achieve that perfect handstand - these are all situations that can warp rose gold. Our Travel Jewelry Zip Case is great to have on hand when you need to take your precious jewelry off!
- The #1 place where jewelry gets lost is in water (pools, oceans and lakes)! Plunging into water or even hitting a surprise wave can easily remove jewelry from a slippery body. Skin naturally shrinks in water, which causes jewelry to fit much looser.
- Store your jewelry in a cool, dry location. Avoid places with high humidity, such as bathrooms.
