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You may not have heard of Russian gold, but chances are you’ve seen it and probably even have some of it. Yet today, this term is considered out of date and even misleading.
What is Russian Gold?
Russian gold is an out-of-date term used to describe rose gold, which was used excessively in Russia in the 1800s.
In the 19th century, rose gold made of copper and gold was widespread in Russia. Rose gold became so common among jewelers in Russia that the metal became known as Russian gold.
Contrary to popular belief, Russian gold is not a rare type of gold. The terms rose gold and Russian gold refer to the same thing.
How is ‘Russian Gold’ Made?

Gold necklace sold as Russian Gold by Russian Gold Com. See it here.
Gold is a soft metal that’s easily malleable. The addition of copper to gold makes it strong and more durable. In some cases, jewelers may add silver or zinc to the alloy. When gold is mixed with copper, it produces Russian gold. Copper in the compound gives Russian gold its distinctive rosy hue.
Russian gold varies in terms of color with most of it having a rose color. However, depending on the proportion of copper in it, this rose color may change. Some Russian gold jewelry is red while the rest is pink. Red gold has a higher percentage of copper in it compared to pink gold, which has a smaller percentage.
What Jewelry Can You Make From Russian Gold?

Russian gold earrings by Russian Gold Com. See it here.
You can make different types of jewelry from Russian gold. The rose gold hue is not only stunning but also classy. Pieces of jewelry made from this are usually breathtaking. Examples of jewelry made from Russian gold include:
- Engagement rings
- Wedding rings
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Earrings
- Pendants
- Signet Rings
Rose gold jewelry has a vintage and romantic appeal to them. They also have an impressive yet antique appearance.
Pros and Cons of Russian Gold
Today, rose gold is one of the most popular types of gold on the market, especially valued for engagement and wedding rings. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of this metal:
Pros of Russian gold
- Russian gold is relatively affordable.
- Rose gold color compliments most skin tones.
- It is durable and strong, unlike pure yellow gold.
- It does not lose color over time nor does it need replating.
- The rose color has a romantic appeal to it.
Cons of Russian gold:
- Russian gold is not as readily available as yellow or white gold.
- It is not a good choice of material if you are allergic to copper. Gold is hypoallergenic and may not cause any allergic reactions. Other materials in the alloy, such as copper and silver, may cause reactions.
Styling Suggestions for Rose Gold Jewelry
The antique appearance of rose gold makes it fun to style. The rose gold hue goes well with several other metals. For instance, you can pair a rose gold bangle with a silver watch. You can also pair rose gold jewelry with other variations of gold. White gold and yellow gold paired with rose gold give a classic and elegant look.
Rose gold jewelry matches well with neutral colors. For your outfits, consider earth colors like white, beige, brown, cream, and black, which look stunning with rose gold.
Avoid wearing your rose gold jewelry with bold and bright colors like orange, yellow, or red. Rose gold is already a bold color on its own and tends to clash with other bold colors. You do not want your outfit to look busy.
Russian Gold Price
Russian gold is popular due to its affordability. However, the price of Russian gold varies depending on the amount of gold used. The most popular versions are 14K and 18K.
When buying a Russian gold ring, pay attention to the karat. A higher karat means more gold content. This also means that you will pay more. If you plan to wear your Russian gold ring or jewelry more often, buy a lower karat piece, as it’s more durable.
Russian Gold Reserves
Russian Gold essentially refers to rose gold. It does not occur naturally since it’s an alloy of different metals. Gold and copper are the primary metals in the rose gold alloy.
These metals are found in different mines across the world. Gold deposits are found in various parts of the world, for instance in Russia which is one of the largest producers of gold in the world. Russia has large gold reserves, hence the reference to gold from Russia as Russian Gold.
Copper, on the other hand, is found in mines spread across the world. Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper. In Africa, copper is mined in Zambia. Zambia produces so much copper that it is known as the Country of copper.
Wrapping Up
Today, when we say Russian gold, we generally mean gold that’s made in Russia. The term ‘Russian Gold’ to describe rose gold is now largely out of use. If you see any jewelry pieces marked ‘Russian Gold’, it could be either:
- The name of the brand
- Gold crafted in Russia
- An antique piece from when rose gold was known as Russian gold
With that said, any piece of rose gold jewelry you buy is Russian gold.