Pure Rose Gold vs. Filled Rose Gold vs. Plated Rose Gold
To understand the difference between filled rose gold and plated rose gold you must first understand what rose gold is and how it is made. Rose Gold is a gold-copper alloy, which means it is comprised of both metals’ gold and copper. The more copper that the metal contains the redder the gold is going to be.
Typically rose gold is more expensive than yellow gold or white gold due to it being a rare metal and is generally viewed as more valuable because of the rose color. Rose gold is viewed as one of the most romantic of golds due to its pinkish color. It is also considered to be very durable due to the copper that is used to make up the rose gold alloy. Rose gold will not tarnish but it will darken over the years.
Rose gold is made of real gold, even it if isn't 100% gold. The higher the karat amount in the piece of jewelry will indicate the purity of gold in the piece. For example, 18 karat gold is 75% gold, while 14 karat gold would have 58% gold. (“Designer Jewelry | Artisan Jewelry | Roma Jewelry”)
Filled Rose Gold vs. Plated Rose Gold
The main difference between filled and plated rose gold is the process in which the gold is applied to the base metal. Although solid and filled rose gold are high quality, durable, and requires very little maintenance, plated rose gold does not offer these same qualities. Filled jewlery pieces will contain more gold and be more durable than plated pieces. Plated pieces of jewelry will only contain a very thin layer of gold over top the base metal. This layer is so thin that everyday wear is not recommended for plated jewlery because it will scratch and easily chip off the rose gold plating leaving the base metal exposed.
Rose gold plating typically only lasts about 2-3 years and that is depending on the amount of time it is worn. Plated jewlery also typically begins to wear unevenly leaving your jewelery looking spotted and tarnished in some areas. This happens because the copper reacts with the chemicals in the air, water, and even beauty products which causes the copper to erode and change colors.
Plated jewlery pieces are less expensive and equally beautiful. Although these pieces will not last past a few years there are some things you can do to make your piece last longer.
Avoid wearing the rose gold plated jewelry in swimming pools and the ocean. Both chlorine and salt water will wear down the rose gold plating extremely quickly.
Remove your jewelry often and wipe it down. The sweat and oils that your skin produces can react with the chemicals in rose gold plating and cause it to wear away.
Take the jewelry off when you sleep and when you workout at the very least, and always put it on after you have already applied perfume, lotion, or creams. Gently wipe down the jewelry after you remove it to rid it of any residue that could cause it to tarnish.
Works Cited
“Designer Jewelry | Artisan Jewelry | Roma Jewelry.” Designer Jewelry | Artisan Jewelry | Roma Jewelry, https://www.romadesignerjewelry.com/blogs/education/what-is-rose-gold-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-beautiful-metal. Accessed 19 January 2023.
“Does Rose Gold Tarnish or Fade?” Diamond Nexus, https://www.diamondnexus.com/blog/does-rose-gold-tarnish-or-fade/. Accessed 19 January 2023.