For years, jewelry experts have told us that rose gold was making a comeback. But in reality, it never actually left. The blush-hued version of the precious metal, which comes from mixing it with copper, has tinted some of the most breathtaking antique jewelry pieces and is showing up in status watches, engagement rings, bracelets and more.
Usually, diamonds and other gemstones have always sparkled set in more traditional yellow or white gold, but rose gold has become the choice of jewelry lovers, fashion designers and estate and vintage jewelry collectors everywhere. Take a look at these impressive rose gold pieces and learn a little rose gold history.
Historically, rose gold first became fashionable in Russia during the 19th century, where it was referred to as “Russian gold”. The inevitable spread of rose gold in antique jewelry can be traced to the Victorian era, where the pink-hued precious metal, along with its yellow cousin, created timeless pieces. As timeless as this sparkling Italian made pendant necklace finely crafted in solid 18K rose gold featuring 1 genuine pear cut diamond weighing aprox. 0.85 cts. Complete with a beautiful chain, this rose gold pendant is the perfect mix of elegance and glamour.
Only during the 1920′s did rose gold strike it rich with the jewelry-loving public, thanks in part to Cartier’s introduction of its now iconic “Trinity” ring, giving way to extraordinary rose gold pieces like this exclusive 14K ring designed by Jeffrey Reidel, centered with an oval-cut alluring Indicolite weighing aprox. 27.00 cts., and accented with 8 genuine round diamonds with a high polished finish.
Enter the 1930s, and the vividly colorful and highly creative jewelry of the previous decade shifted to more monochromatic, geometric designs that heavily favored the use of platinum and gemstones. Take a look at this authentic 1930s vintage Italian amethyst pendant earrings crafted in a combination of solid 14K white and rose gold and exposing a pair of pear-shaped silhouettes, suspending from white gold diamond-adorned ribbon-bow profiles. The pear-shaped silhouettes expose a pair of genuine translucent tear-drop shaped, faceted amethysts, cumulatively weighing approx. 9.00 cts.
During World War II, platinum was considered a strategic mineral, causing many countries to restrict it during the war. With platinum sidelined, gold once again became the precious metal of choice in jewelry. This Estate bracelet crafted in 18K rose gold incorporating 11 hinged links, each consisting of an assemblage of 7 moving delicate flowers, set with sapphires, diamonds and rubies, is the best proof of that.
Fast forward to today and the rise in popularity of rose gold in jewelry has witnessed impressive time pieces like this Cartier Vendome watch finely crafted in solid 18K rose gold, featuring a Cartier Swiss quartz movement, 18K rose gold crown with a cabochon blue sapphire, bezel and bracelet, sapphire crystal and a rose gold colored dial with Roman numerals.