What is rose gold?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Rose gold is a gold alloy where copper is the main additional metal, and it is that copper that gives it the warm, blush-pink colour. The more copper in the mix, the deeper the pink; a higher copper content produces what is sometimes called red gold, while less copper gives a softer peachy tone. In 18ct rose gold the metal is 75% pure gold and around 22-25% copper, and in 9ct Australian rose gold the copper proportion is higher because the overall gold content is lower. The colour is stable and does not fade, because it runs through the whole alloy.
Frequently asked questions
- Does rose gold fade or tarnish?
- The colour in rose gold does not fade because it comes from the copper in the alloy rather than a surface coating. It can develop a slightly deeper, more antique tone over years of wear as the copper oxidises very slowly, which many people find appealing rather than a problem.
- Is rose gold good for sensitive skin?
- It depends on what your skin reacts to. Rose gold contains more copper than yellow gold at the same karat, so if you are sensitive to copper it may cause a reaction. Higher karat rose gold, like 18ct, has more pure gold and less copper, which tends to be gentler on most skin.
- Can rose gold be resized or repaired?
- Yes, a jeweller can resize and repair rose gold just as they would yellow or white gold. It does need to be worked carefully because the copper content can affect how the metal behaves when heated, so it is worth going to someone experienced with rose gold specifically.
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