In the last few years, rose gold has become a more popular metal option for engagement rings and wedding bands. The pretty pinkish-gold color manages to feel both slightly vintage and trendy at the same time, and it gives any ring a romantic, soft look that you don’t always get with the classic metal choices of platinum, yellow gold, or white gold.
What Is Rose Gold?
Rose gold is a blend, or an alloy, of gold, copper, and silver. Its signature rose tint comes from the copper and can also be referred to as pink gold or red gold.
“Rose gold symbolizes true love, which makes it a perfect choice for engagement or wedding rings, especially in combination with a diamond, which we all know is forever,” says jeweler Azra Mehdi.
One of the first well-known users of the metal—which was formerly known as "Russian gold"—was czar jeweler Carl Fabergé, who used it in his famous Fabergé eggs in the nineteenth century. Mehdi explains, “Rose gold’s popularity vacillated over the next few decades and had a major comeback when Cartier created the famous Cartier Trinity ring in 1924 for the famous French writer, artist, filmmaker, and playwright, Jean Cocteau."
Considering a rose gold wedding band for yourself? Take a look at these baubles on the market right now.
Bario Neal Custom Baguette and Champagne Diamond Band
This rose gold band features plenty of sparkle with three baguette diamonds, champagne diamonds, and one princess-cut diamond. The dark champagne diamond makes it extra special.
Price at time of publish: $2,210
Tiffany Soleste V Ring
This slim rose gold band is designed to nest with your engagement ring, and features clean, simple lines. Five small diamonds give it a nice sparkle that isn’t overwhelming.
Price at time of publish: $1,500
Mociun Connection Band
Delicate and slim, the rose gold studs along this band give it an interesting silhouette. While the thin band makes it feel more feminine, this is still a unisex look.
Price at time of publish: $1,600
Gillian Conway Rose Gold Channel Set Diamond Band
The channel setting of this band gives the diamonds a more subtle look. This would look beautiful paired with an engagement ring, but looks just as good on its own.
Price at time of publish: $1,900
Shahla Karimi Baguette Bar Set Band
This horizontal bar set features an eternity band of baguette diamonds. The rose gold is subtle, but clearly there.
Price at time of publish: $1,750
Elsa Peretti Stacking Band Ring
This elegant and modern design features five inset diamonds with a rose gold band. This is a perfect stacking band and works for both men and women.
Price at time of publish: $1,550
Bario Neal Custom Luma Curved Diamond Band
This rose gold nesting ring is meant to nestle against an engagement ring. With a row of small diamonds and a polished finish, this is sure to sparkle.
Price at time of publish: $1,740
Gillian Conway Grace Thin Rose Gold Band
Dainty and ultra-feminine, this slim band features a square edge for a slightly different look. It’s very versatile and pairs well with any kind of engagement ring.
Price at time of publish: $500
Lizzie Mandler Pavé Knife Edge Band
This vintage-inspired band has a unique shape to it that could easily work with an engagement ring or on its own. It has a more masculine look, but is also stackable.
Price at time of publish: $4,565
Brilliant Earth Aspen Wedding Ring
Inspired by gentle ripples of water, this rose gold band has a tranquil and timeless element to it. The inside of the band also features rounded edges for a more comfortable fit.
Price at time of publish: $1,390
Zales Two Row Stackable Band
Stackable bands are a growing trend in the world of wedding rings, and this 10-karat rose gold style shows why. The ribbon of petite diamonds doubled with a row of round and marquise-shaped diamonds makes this an all-around stunner.
Price at time of publish: $569
Charles & Colvard Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Three Row Pave Band
Lovers of sparkle take note of these three rows of eye-catching Caydia lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have all the eye-catching qualities of natural diamonds, but they are an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice! These diamonds are set in an 18-karat rose gold band.
Price at time of publish: $1,429
Zales Diamond Cascading Vintage-Style Stack Band
It's hard not to fall for this vintage-inspired 10K rose gold band. It features a cascading double-row style with a 1/5ct—t.w. of diamonds that makes for ultimate shine.
Price at time of publish: $750
Ritani Chevron Wedding Ring
This rose gold band is engraved with a modern and simplistic chevron pattern that perfectly complements any engagement stone.
Price at time of publish: $740
Pandora Sparkling Triple Band Ring
Why have one band when you can have three? This triple band ring features small clear cubic zirconia to create a pavé band, while three larger ones are set in the rose gold band for extra shine.
Price at time of publish: $165
Angara Scalloped-Edge Diamond Nine Stone Band
This nine-stone diamond band with a beautiful half-eternity design is a wonder in itself. It has scallop detailing that adds an unexpected touch.
Price at time of publish: $1,149
Brilliant Earth Aurora Diamond Ring
If you are looking for a ring that subtly radiates a lot of shine, this rose gold band is for you. It features offset round diamonds that catch just the right amount of light.
Price at time of publish: $1,190
Vrai Brushed Baguette Band
This unisex band is a modern look with a touch of romance. The 14K rose gold band holds a single baguette cut diamond.
Price at time of publish: $1,450
Holden Hammered Wedding Ring
This hammered rose gold wedding band is made from conflict-free, recycled metals. Not only does this ring have a comfort-fit design, but it can also be engraved for an added personal touch!
Price at time of publish: $299
Meet the Expert
Azra Mehdi is the founder of Au Xchange, a jeweler specializing in fine gold jewelry.
What to Look for When Buying a Rose Gold Wedding Band
Durability
While rose gold is usually an aesthetic choice, it is important to consider its durability since it will be worn everyday. In general, rose gold is durable and strong, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. Mehdi notes that it’s more durable than other gold variations because of all of the copper, which is an extremely strong metal. Although rose gold is durable, keep in mind that is does scratch easier than other metals. "White gold's rhodium plating gives it an extra level of protection compared to yellow or rose gold, both of which derive their hues from the alloys' mix of their component metals, rather than plating."
Timelessness
Mehdi points out, rose gold is viewed as more of a trend and has gone in and out of popularity many times. Many worry that rose gold isn’t quite as timeless and classic as other gold options, and for something you plan to wear for many years, this could definitely be cause for concern. It is important to pick a timeless style that you will love in years to come.
Diamond Shape
The diamond is just as, if not more, important than the band that holds it. This means that it's crucial to consider what type of diamond you are getting with your band. Step diamonds (such as emerald or asscher cut) should generally be avoided with rose gold bands. Diamonds of this cut draw light from the bottom of the diamond, so a rose gold band could make a colorless diamond have a rosy tint.