QuestionDear Thomas-
I really love the appearance of rose gold but frankly find the price very prohibitive. I am getting married this month, and will be ordering a sterling silver engagement and wedding band to see me through until I can purchase something a little more opulent. I am ordering this from a company that can add a copper overlay to jewelry to give it an antique or rose-gold-like finish. I'm wondering how long I could expect such an overlay to last. Is copper durable and scratch resistant, or am I just asking for problems? I am curious if there is such a thing as "rose sterling," That would be a more appealing option, but as of yet, I have not heard of such a thing. Thank you for considering my question.
AnswerAndrea, considering the economy and the quite high price of gold items today, I understand why you are looking for a less costly alternative.
There is a vast difference in copper and rose gold. The difference mostly apparent to the wearer is tarnish. The primary reason for quick tarnishing of sterling silver is the copper content. As for a copper layer directly exposed to skin and the environment, if not coated with a clear coat of some sort tarnish will begin immediately and it will be only a short time until you are wearing what appears to be a tarnished copper ring. Copper is somewhat tougher in wearability than silver.
I would need to know more of the type of overlay, electroplate or other layer the company will apply to the ring to give the rose look. You certainly need to ask them if this is a completely exposed layer of copper, considering the tarnish problems associated with that.
As for "rose sterling", I know of no such metal. In fact, it is quite likely if enough other metal was added to silver to provide a color change to a rose hue, you would no longer have sterling but a metal mostly made of non-precious metals with a little silver added in. : ) You see, sterling is actually a definition of a particular grade of silver metal alloy. To be sterling, the metal must contain 92.5% pure silver( remember seeing the mark 925 on sterling jewelry?). Most sterling is made with only two metals: pure silver and pure copper. The silver is 92.5% and the copper is 7.5%. The color is of course white.
Andrea, I do hope this answer helps. If you can find out more about the copper overlay please let me know and perhaps I will have a different thought on it all.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
