If you pay any attention to the jewelry market, you’ve likely noticed the massive influx of rose gold items that have made their way onto the scene in the last decade.
Traditionally, rose gold was far more popular in European circles, but now the United States and other regions are embracing this luxurious version of red and pink-hued gold with open arms.
From earrings and men’s bracelets to men’s chains and different types of pendants, rose gold is officially a global phenomenon, and prices have risen due to increased demand, especially for 14k gold materials.
Of course, not everyone is willing to shell out serious money to get a taste of the rose gold lifestyle. That’s why we’re taking the time to talk about rose gold vermeil, a beautiful and durable alternative with a much more affordable price point.
Let’s examine the factors that make rose gold unique and why you should consider starting with vermeil for your rose gold jewelry collection.
Rose Gold and Its Unique Features
Ever wonder why rose gold is so appealing and why its popularity has boomed in recent years? Here are the basics you should know about this material.
Distinctive Colors
We’ll start with the obvious: rose gold looks fantastic, offering a romantic new twist on traditional yellow gold and white gold materials that have long been mainstays in the fine jewelry industry.
Colored gold has been a subject of experimentation for hundreds of years, but it wasn’t until the 21st century that colors like red, pink, and rosy hues came to the forefront as a desirable and marketable concept. Now people can’t get enough of these colors, and they’re sometimes hard to find as a result. When you’ve got a chance to buy rose gold, don’t let it pass you by!
Metal Alloys
What makes rose gold unique on a chemical level? The reddish and rosy colors actually come from a generous portion of copper in the alloy mixture, a material that is far less present in yellow or white gold combinations.
Don’t worry—there’s plenty of authentic, pure gold in the typical rose gold mixture, so you aren’t getting the short end of the stick. As we discuss solid gold alternatives, you’ll need to do a bit more research before you buy and ensure that you’re getting top-quality materials.
With the inclusion of copper, silver, and other durable alloys, rose gold is extremely tough and will last a lifetime if cared for properly. It doesn’t matter if you choose a rose gold cable chain, a romantic red promise ring, or a bracelet with subtle hints of pink. Rose gold doesn’t just look great—it has the physical resilience to match and is built to last.
What is Rose Gold Vermeil?
Now that we’ve explained how rose gold gets its color, what does it look like on vermeil jewelry? Gold vermeil is comprised of a base metal and a layer of gold bonded to the outside. The great thing about gold vermeil is that sterling silver is always used as the base. By using a real gold layer of 14k or 18k gold bonded to 925 sterling silver, you get a quality piece of jewelry that is more affordable and still luxurious.
So while solid gold sounds like the best option, rose gold vermeil might be the right choice for you and is still a step above plated rose gold jewelry. Vermeil is traditionally meant for yellow gold but rose gold vermeil is now making its mark. The parameters are as follows for this method of construction:
- Sterling silver base metal (925)
- 10k gold purity exterior layer
- A gold layer thickness of at least 2.5 microns (0.0025mm)
Jewelers will tell you that gold vermeil is on a higher level in terms of quality, durability, and overall value for your money compared to a gold filled jewelry and gold plated piece. Vermeil also tends to last longer and doesn’t present any issues like green residue or allergens, thanks to the sterling silver base.
You may not be able to pick rose gold vermeil out of a lineup at first, but when you wear it for years, you’ll be happy you chose it over gold filled jewelry and electroplated jewelry alternatives.
Styling Rose Gold Jewelry
Who could have predicted the incredible comeback of rose gold in 2021 and beyond? Now that demand and prices are up, rose gold vermeil is a more appealing option than ever. Be sure to stick with trusted fine jewelry vendors and settle for nothing less than premium materials when shopping for rose gold vermeil and any other jewelry on your wish list.
