Yes, but you probably wouldn’t want to wear it. To understand why, we’re going to have to learn a little about the chemistry behind jewelry.
Copper: The Rose Metal
Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal which has been used by humans for thousands of years, in everything from tools, weapons, and electronics to yes, jewelry. In fact, the oldest copper jewelry dates back nearly 11,000 years. Naturally having a red-orange hue, copper is responsible for rose gold’s distinct color—rose gold being an alloy of about 75% gold, 22.25% copper, and 2.75% silver. Similarly, copper may be used to create a rose colored silver alloy. So why don’t we see lots of people wearing rose silver? Surely a less expensive alternative to rose gold would be incredibly popular. The answer turns out to be quite interesting—well to me at least. Have you ever heard of jewelry turning your skin green? While mostly harmless, wearing jewelry with a high copper content may cause temporary skin discoloration and irritation. This occurs when the copper in such jewelry reacts with the acidic sweat in skin and becomes oxidized. In order create rose colored silver, the majority of the alloy would be comprised of copper, which would make it an unpopular option for those who do not wish to have their skin turned an unsightly shade of green. However, rose gold contains relatively little copper, meaning almost everybody can wear it without experiencing any skin discoloration or irritation.
Takeaways
Shopping for the right jewelry for you can be a difficult task. Luckily, at Miami Gold Supply, our team is always happy to help you find the perfect piece of jewelry. Visit our shop and fall in love with your next favorite ring, necklace or bracelet.