Rose gold’s history goes back to Russia in the 19th Century. It was called Russian gold. It’s popularity spread across Europe, and in 1921 Jewelry lovers fell in the US fell in love with rose gold when Cartier introduced the Trinity ring. A luminary writer of that era, Jacques Cocteau gave high praise for the Trinity ring composed of rose, yellow, and white gold bands in one ring. 

Then  the monochromatic style came into favor and platinum’s popularity rose and yellow and rose gold were no longer favored. The “icy” white of platinum with diamonds became the trend. Then when Germany invaded Poland in 1939 Platinum became a strategic mineral in the war effort and many countries prohibited its use during the war. Hence, gold was back in favor with designers and jewelry lovers. 

There has been a large rise in the popularity of rose gold today since the retro period. Rose gold looks good on every skin tone. It is especially lovely with certain gemstones. It brings out the beauty of a Morganite, that is peachy pink in color, and in rose gold it compliments both. Because of this stone’s peachy pink tones it is washed out when set in silver or yellow gold, the rose gold is reflected off the stone and vice versa, this is a stunning combination. An aquamarine in the Beryl family of gemstones as is the Morganite is equally beautiful in rose gold. Because of it’s light aqua blue color, it is especially vivid set against rose gold, the gold and the aqua become more intense in color.

Tiffany today has seen the popularity grow and devoted an entire line of jewelry strictly in rose gold. They have taken some of their classics and made them in rose gold as well as creating newer pieces in rose gold. Rose gold and diamonds is another lovely combination. It gives the diamond a softness rather than a cold austere look. It is the warmth of the the rose shade that is flattering to most natural gemstones. 

One of the prettiest combinations is the Ruby and rose gold. It is a combination that is breathtaking The beauty of the red Ruby and the rose gold is most flattering, as is the pink diamond set in rose gold. Tanzanite, especially the blueberry Tanzanite is gorgeous in the rose gold setting. Emeralds, especially the Colombian emerald and rose gold is a very flattering combination. 

LeVian a designer of high end jewelry pieces known for their chocolate diamonds in their items, have been using rose gold for years and have been very successful. Rose gold has an understated elegance, and  not the bling factor of white or yellow gold. It would seem that any solitaire stone set in rose gold does not need any additional stones, just the hue of a natural faceted gemstone and the rose gold says it all. It is a combination that is hard to beat. 

When the haute couture runways showed jewelry in rose gold, it started the trend back to the popularity of rose gold. Jewelry designers at all levels are using rose gold in bracelets, pendants, rings, earrings in combinations of all kinds of gemstones, something to please everyone. There are degrees of pink in rose gold, the choice is yours.