Up until I was 18 I was disinterested in jewellery and while I saw ‘it as pretty’ I never made the effort to accessorize my outfits with earrings, rings and bangles as I do now. I was never much of a silver or gold fan and while my birth stone ‘sapphire’ was beautiful, it still lacked the appeal that drew me to fashion in the first place. But then out of nowhere I discovered rose gold, glistening like copper, reddish-pink in tone. It held mystical properties and stood out from the crowd of gold and silver that my peers seemed to favour. It was delicate, feminine yet unisex too and brought into the 90’s minimalism that was popular at the time. Suddenly I began lavishing myself with simple rose gold watches and semi plated rings, all in the rose gold finish I fell in love with.
But why has rose gold had a surge in popularity in the modern age and how has a relatively new metal ingrained itself into becoming the worlds most beloved ‘pink material’? More to the point what made jewelers like Fhinds ‘recognize’ rose or Russian Gold as a social commodity as well as a symbol of ‘new modern love’? The world’s love affair with rose gold began in the 19th Century, after socialites and respected gentlemen indulged and reveled in the period of decadence known as ‘Art Deco‘. Opulence and grandeur were themes that were commonly associated with the ‘roaring 20’s’ ; men and women would be ‘finely dressed’ and would sport ‘quaint’ pinkish gold designs that would faintly resemble the 90’s style minimalist rose gold designs that we have today. Because the 20’s was known as the decade of excess, respected society members worlds came crashing down in 1929, when the Wall Street Crash of 1929 took away their lavish, opulent lifestyles and forced them to pare back their ‘spending’. This shift in economical and social standing created a transition from ‘ Art Deco’ to ‘Art Nouveau’ ‘styling’ meaning that rose gold was temporarily out of the picture.
Monochromatic and geometric ‘jewellery’ styles were popular in the 30’s and jewelers favored an icy ‘platinum aesthetic’ during the recession but it wouldn’t be long before rose gold crept back into our hearts. By World War II, platinum became a ‘restricted material’ as it was considered to be a ‘strategic precious tool’ that would be integral to maintaining the war effort and could act as a source of trading between nations. Naturally the downfall of one ‘material’ leads to an increase of popularity in another, thus jewelers again experimented with ‘copper and gold alloys’ to distribute rose gold designs that the public could know and love.
While the 40’s is known for re-introducing rose gold back into mainstream use in Britain, its roots-though European- are a little further afield. Meet Carl Fabergé; renowned jeweller to the czars, Faberge was one of the first to use rose gold. Known for his iconic ‘Faberge eggs’ Faberge created 69 or more ‘jeweled eggs’ as an emblem of the royal dynasty. By combining what he labelled as mundane materials like ‘copper’ and blending it with yellow gold he created rich concentration of ‘pure pink gold’ which would adorn his ornate ‘egg surprise gifts’. While many of Faberge’s ‘surprise’ eggs have now been lost or are part of a private collection, his ability to blend metals to create ‘Russian Gold’ was the precedent for modern rose gold.
Today rose gold might not be as ‘grand’ but nevertheless our fascination with pink gold as a form of decoration and as a ‘jewel alloy’ still remains prevalent. While rose gold in modern jewellery designs tends to derive from 90’s minimalism for some, its roots in Russian Royalty have not been forgotten. From large cocktail rings to pink gold and pearl intertwined headbands (as you may often see on my blog), the line between 20’s Gatsby grandeur and 90’s- modern day minimalism is always blurring.
As a personal preference my own tastes are very much aligned with the 90’s minimalist movement rather than the opulence of the Roaring 20’s. As demonstrated by my Fossil Women’s Watch, statement watches do not always have to be grand, after all in my opinion ‘the pinkish hue’ so clearly seen in rose gold, is enough of a statement without needing crystals and pearls to magnify or augment its ‘luxurious status’. 90’s minimalism was a reactionary movement against the ‘excess of the 80’s’ and while fashion ‘was questionable at times’, sporting jewellery trends like cursive bracelets, chokers and rose gold choker chains have very much remained a powerful component of our jewellery trend ‘lust list’ today. Naturally, rose gold might fall out of favour as it once did in the past, but for now brush up on your rose gold lingo, because my love affair with rose gold is far from over.
What Are Your Thoughts On Rose Gold?
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I really liked these watches, nice elegant design. I think that watch + earring bundle can be a perfect gift, and its not that expensive either.
Would definitely check it out and see if they ship internationally or not.
I have to agree with you that growing up I never had much of an interest for watches or jewellery, now I cannot leave the house without a necklace on (I feel naked without it! I love rose gold anything now too! Fossil have the best watches around, I have one and I bought a great one with all the cogs showing for my Husband and we’ve never had any issues with them, they last and they look so good! I love that Fossil watches don’t break the bank either!
Rose gold is also mined in Wales, my Welsh relatives are very proud of this! I am enjoying the resurging trend.
I too am not the biggest fan of jewellery, to be honest, I only tend to wear stuff that has huge sentimental value. I personally really like rose gold though, it just looks so pretty and if I ever look at jewellery for myself that tends to be it.
I love the look of rose gold. I would love a watch like this 🙂 I don’t own anything expensive but I would love to start owning a thing or two. Beautiful watch. One for the wish list.
That watch is stunning, I actually don’t own any rose gold jewellery however I do love the look of it. I’ve always loved wearing delecate pieces of jewellery.
I have such a thing for watches at the moment, so this is right up my street! xxx
Sometimes I feel we are so close to repeating our ‘age of excess’ of the roaring 20’s because there are so many things to buy and we have so many ways to obtain it. However, I love love love rose gold, as well as silver, white gold or platinum. I have never really been a fan of yellow gold, just a little too cliche’ for me. However, you know, my birthday is coming up in August (Leo, yeah baby) and you can just go ahead and drop that gorgeous watch in the mail for me. I will wear it with pride. lol….jk, kinda 😉 Side note: I always enjoy your posts
The watch is so lovely! Love the color and the model, so elegant and yet great for everyday use.
Rose gold has indeed made a come back. It’s just beautiful and elegant. I;m in love with rose gold watches.
I have a special liking for rose gold watches and bracelets..have 3 watches sitting in my box right now!
I have to admit I’m not the world biggest fan of Rose Gold but every now and then I wear the one item I have of it. That said, my sister-in-law is a huge fan and is rarely seen without at least one item of Rose Gold on her!
Absolutely love rose gold. All the products you featured are so nice. I’d definitely purchase these for someone for a present and not too expensive!
I have to say the rose gold trend has really grown on me and I love out both in Fashion and interiors. Also that fossil watch is beautiful!! Love it
Laura x
Growing up I wore watches more than I do during adulthood but I’d love to get a new watch. I love rose gold love the tone against my skin x
What a gorgeous watch. I’m finding myself more and more drawn towards rose gold so it was fascinating to read about the history – makes me love it even more, thank you!
I’m a huge rose gold fan. Like you I never used to be a big jewellery wearer. Now I have a a rose gold watch necklace and big hoop earrings!
It is almost strange that I love rose-gold watches but do not actually own one. This Fossil is a definite must have, it is beyond gorgeous!
Rose gold is my absolute favourite!! Although admittedly I have 3 rose gold watches already, I would love to add this to my collection!! Rose gold is so classic, it literally goes with everything!
I am a huge fan of rose gold as it matches pretty much everything, and I love the fossil watch you’ve picked. I am a huge fossil obsessive so definitely approve x
I’m not interested with jewelery either. But I do like rose gold. I have recently started loving watches and love this one from Fossil!
I love Rose gold, its such a pretty colour and looks really nice on
Though I also don’t carry jewellery always but watch is must for me. This rose colored delicate watch is so elegant. It can be worn on any occasions.
That’s a beautiful watch. I love rose gold, I always think it looks so timeless.
It is a pretty colour but I’m yet to buy anything made from it.
that watch is beautiful – I don’t think I own any rose gold but that watch looks fab
I’m obsessed with Rose Gold! So beautiful!
Rose gold is just so elegant and is totally timeless. I too was not ever a big jewllery let alone watch fan, but now that I am older, I am lusting for timeless classics.
Well, rose gold is one of my favorites “shades” on jewelry. I think it’s sleek and luxurious just as you said. I’m planning to buy a watch the next month because the one I currently have broke :/ I’m definitely considering your recommendations! Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful watch – I don’t wear a watch at the moment, but I really should start 🙂
It’s same for me. Growing up as the only sister among all brothers, I never found accessories and jewelry interesting enough; was rather into sneakers, caps, and tees. But now, that I have developed interested, rose gold seems to be my favorite instead of silver/gold. xx
I love rose gold, though I was the same, I was never really interested in jewelry much until fairly recently, though even then it comes in waves. But rose gold has quickly become a favourite – for home decor too! I love the watches, they’re so pretty without being too delicate and girly.
I’m a biggggg fan of rose gold, and have a rose gold watch too (mine is Marc by Marc Jacobs) – I think rose gold is less brassy than regular gold, and a little softer/less blingy than white gold or silver 🙂 x
I love jewelry and I love making jewelry and yet I had no idea about the history path of rose gold! Thank you for sharing it with us, it is actually very informative and a good read!
I love rose gold. It is such a pretty color for jewelry. I currently have the iphone 6s in rose gold and I love it. Great post.