Pink as an Alternative to White Gold Engagement Rings?

For the past decade, white gold engagement rings have reigned supreme in the wedding world. However, could this reign soon be at an end, with the recent rise in popularity in rose gold jewellery?

Don’t be misled into thinking, however, that this delicate pink coloured gold is a modern creation or that this is its first rise to popularity. Historically, rose gold first became fashionable in Russia during the 19th century, where it was referred to as ‘Russian gold’ since they were among the first wearers of the metal. There are in fact some stunning examples of pre-Faberge pieces made of this gold from the mid-to-late 19th century. The widespread popularity of rose gold in jewellery was seen during the Victorian period, and was initiated with Cartier’s 1924 introduction of the iconic ‘Trinity’, which was recognisable for its three intertwining bands of rose, yellow and white gold.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that the warmer tones of rose and yellow gold were sidelined, along with the more colourful and creative jewellery of the Art Deco period, to make way for the prominence of platinum and white gold engagement rings with monochromatic and geometric designs. This shift towards whiter hues only lasted until World War Two, when the use of platinum was very restricted due to its durability making it vital to war efforts. With platinum out of the picture during the war years, yellow and rose gold became the precious metal of choice once again.

Today, rose gold jewellery seems set for an impressive comeback once again, especially given the growing trend towards engagement rings with a unique and vintage quality. This particular variety of coloured gold reflects a beautiful blend between contemporary and antique, which offers consumers new variations of existing designs, as well as brand new creations made exclusively in rose gold.

The return of this pink-hued gold to a market dominated by white gold engagement rings is considered by many couples to be very positive. With its wonderfully romantic hue that looks wonderful on most skin tones, rose gold is more and more attractive. For those who favour bronze and copper jewellery, rose gold offers a luxury alternative with a similar look. The versatility of rose gold is reflected in its wide range of colours that range from a delicate light pink to a fiery amber.

This beautifully warm shade of gold seems likely to grow in popularity, offering an exclusive, unique quality, but it seems unlikely that it will replace white gold engagement rings as the dominant force in the jewellery market any time soon.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. Whether you want white gold engagement ring a princess cut diamond or an engraved band, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.