Hazelnut Gold: What you need to know about this new alloy
- Hazelnut gold is a gold alloy with a warm, slightly brownish hue between rose gold and gray gold.
- The alloy became particularly well known through August Gerstner, a wedding ring manufacturer based in Pforzheim, Germany.
- Its color comes from copper, palladium, and silver. The color is part of the metal itself rather than a surface coating.
- Hazelnut gold is available in 14K (58.5% pure gold) and 18K (75.0% pure gold).
- The alloy is suitable for engagement rings and wedding bands and pairs beautifully with both white and champagne-colored diamonds.
- The most reliable way to see how well the color complements your skin tone is to try on a sample ring in natural daylight.
Almost everyone is familiar with yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. Hazelnut gold, however, is something new for many couples when they first hold it in their hands. Its color is warm without being pink and understated without appearing cool. This unique combination makes the alloy particularly interesting for engagement rings and wedding bands.
In this article, you'll discover what hazelnut gold is made of, how it differs from other gold colors, and what to consider when it comes to craftsmanship. We'll also show you who this distinctive alloy is best suited for.
What Is Hazelnut Gold?
Hazelnut gold is a colored gold alloy. Its shade falls between rose gold and gray gold and resembles the color of a roasted hazelnut, which is where its name comes from. Compared to rose gold, it lacks the pronounced reddish undertone. Compared to white gold, the alloy has a noticeably warmer appearance.
Hazelnut gold became particularly well known through August Gerstner, a wedding ring manufacturer based in Pforzheim, Germany. Gerstner has specialized in wedding bands for generations and includes hazelnut gold as a permanent part of its range of gold colors. Other goldsmiths now work with comparable alloys as well, although the name remains closely associated with Gerstner.
There is one important detail many people don't know: the color of hazelnut gold is not a coating. It comes from the composition of the alloy and therefore extends throughout the entire metal. A scratch or polishing will not change its underlying color.
What Is Hazelnut Gold Made Of?
Gold Purity: 14K or 18K
Hazelnut gold is available in two common purity levels. The 585 alloy, equivalent to 14K gold, contains 58.5% pure gold, while the 750 alloy, equivalent to 18K gold, contains 75.0% pure gold. The remaining percentage consists of alloying metals that determine the color and hardness. The higher the gold content, the more the warm golden hue shines through the brownish undertone. In 14K hazelnut gold, the influence of the other alloying metals is slightly more noticeable.
Copper, Palladium, and Silver
Three metals create the characteristic shade of hazelnut gold. Copper adds warmth and a reddish component similar to rose gold. Palladium shifts the gold toward a gray tone, as it does in high-quality white gold. Silver balances the color and influences how easily the alloy can be worked.
You can think of it like coffee. Copper provides the roasted warmth, palladium acts like milk by softening the intensity, and silver creates balance. The result is neither a bold rose tone nor a cool gray, but a subtle, warm shade somewhere in between. Because palladium rather than nickel provides the gray component, hazelnut gold is also an interesting option for people who deliberately avoid nickel in white gold. You can find an overview of all the alloys we work with on our materials and alloys page.
Hazelnut Gold vs. Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, and White Gold
The best way to understand hazelnut gold is through direct comparison. Next to rose gold, it appears more muted and sophisticated. Compared to yellow gold, it looks browner and less vibrant. Beside white gold, its warmth becomes immediately apparent.
| Gold Color | Appearance | Main Alloying Metals | Coating Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazelnut Gold | Warm, slightly brownish, muted | Copper, palladium, silver | No |
| Rose Gold | Warm with a distinct pink hue | High copper content | No |
| Yellow Gold | Classic, bright golden yellow | Balanced silver and copper | No |
| White Gold | Cool, bright | Palladium or other whitening metals | Often rhodium-plated |
Hazelnut gold visibly responds to different lighting conditions. In cool daylight, its gray component becomes more noticeable, while warm evening light brings out its golden tones. This variation is intentional and contributes significantly to its appeal. However, it also means you should never judge the color based on a photograph alone.
How Hazelnut Gold Complements Diamonds
A white diamond creates a beautiful contrast against hazelnut gold. The warm metal makes the diamond appear brighter, much like yellow gold, but with a more understated effect. If you prefer to showcase your diamond against a neutral background, you can choose a white gold or platinum setting for the center stone while keeping the ring band in hazelnut gold. We explain which setting styles work best in our article about the different types of prongs for engagement rings.
Hazelnut gold looks particularly harmonious with champagne-colored or cognac-colored diamonds. The metal and diamond share similar tones, creating a beautifully cohesive appearance. If you'd like to experiment with different combinations, you can try them in our Engagement Ring Configurator and compare prices directly.
Durability and Wearing Comfort
No Rhodium Plating, No Color Loss
Many white gold rings are rhodium-plated to give them a brighter appearance. This coating gradually wears off and needs to be renewed. Hazelnut gold does not require this treatment because its color comes from the alloy itself. Refreshing the ring simply involves polishing the surface. You can find tips on caring for your ring between workshop visits in our jewelry care guide.
Craftsmanship Determines Longevity
The alloy alone tells you very little about how long a ring will retain its beauty. What matters most is how the metal is processed. A ring that is simply cast and then polished retains the tiny pores created during casting. These pores can become visible with wear and make the surface more vulnerable. When the metal is deliberately compressed and hardened after casting, its structure becomes denser, allowing the surface to remain smooth for significantly longer. You can read more in our article about durable, high-quality engagement rings.
Comfort Fit and the Right Ring Size
Hazelnut gold can be crafted in all common ring profiles. For wedding bands worn every day, we usually recommend a slightly rounded interior, as this makes the ring more comfortable to slide over the knuckle. If your ring size changes later, hazelnut gold can be resized just like other gold alloys. We explain what is technically possible in our article about ring resizing.
Who Is Hazelnut Gold Best Suited For?
Hazelnut gold is not simply a seasonal trend but an understated alternative to traditional gold colors. You can find out whether it suits you by following a few simple steps:
- Compare the colors on your hand: Hold hazelnut gold, rose gold, and yellow gold next to each other against your finger.
- Check the color in daylight: Artificial lighting can significantly alter the appearance of warm gold tones. Make sure to examine the rings near a window as well.
- Consider your existing jewelry: If you usually wear silver or white gold, hazelnut gold creates a gentle transition rather than a strong contrast.
- Plan both rings together: Your engagement ring and wedding band should complement each other in color. This is particularly important with hazelnut gold because its shade is noticeably different from other gold colors.
- Consider combining metals: A two-tone wedding band made from hazelnut gold and white gold or platinum combines warm and cool tones in a single ring.
Hazelnut Gold at Designer Diamonds in Munich and Augsburg
In our showrooms in Munich and Augsburg, you can compare hazelnut gold directly with all other gold colors and platinum. In our own goldsmith workshops, we create engagement rings and wedding bands in 14K and 18K hazelnut gold, either as single-color designs or in combination with other metals. For wedding bands, you can customize the shape, width, and finish in advance using our Wedding Ring Configurator. If your vision goes beyond our standard designs, we'll work with you to create custom-made wedding bands.
During your consultation, we'll place sample rings in both gold purities side by side so you can see the difference for yourself. If the origin of the material matters to you, we can also discuss options involving Fairtrade Gold.
Conclusion
Hazelnut gold combines the warmth of rose gold with the understated elegance of gray gold. Its color is part of the metal itself, meaning it won't fade over time and requires no rhodium plating. Whether this alloy is right for you is best decided not on a screen but by trying it on your hand in natural daylight. Book an appointment in Munich or Augsburg and compare the different gold colors side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazelnut Gold
What Is Hazelnut Gold?
Hazelnut gold is a gold alloy with a warm, slightly brownish hue between rose gold and gray gold. Its color comes from copper, palladium, and silver used as alloying metals.
Is Hazelnut Gold Real Gold?
Yes. Depending on the alloy, hazelnut gold contains either 58.5% or 75.0% pure gold and is hallmarked 585 or 750 accordingly. It is therefore just as much real gold as yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold of the same purity.
Who Makes Hazelnut Gold?
Hazelnut gold became particularly well known through August Gerstner, a wedding ring manufacturer based in Pforzheim, Germany, which includes the alloy in its range of gold colors. Comparable alloys are now also produced and worked by other manufacturers and goldsmiths.
Is Hazelnut Gold Coated?
No. Its color comes from the composition of the alloy and extends throughout the entire metal. Unlike many white gold rings, hazelnut gold does not require rhodium plating.
Does Hazelnut Gold Fade Over Time?
Because the color is not applied as a coating, it cannot wear off. Like all gold jewelry, the surface develops fine signs of wear over time. These can be removed through professional polishing in a goldsmith workshop.
What Is the Difference Between Hazelnut Gold and Rose Gold?
Rose gold has a high copper content, giving it a distinctly pink appearance. Hazelnut gold also contains palladium, which softens the reddish undertone. This creates a more muted, slightly brownish shade.
Is Hazelnut Gold Available in 14K and 18K?
Yes, both purity levels are common. The 18K version contains more pure gold and appears slightly more golden. In 14K hazelnut gold, the brownish undertone created by the alloying metals is somewhat more pronounced.
Is Hazelnut Gold Suitable for People with Allergies?
Hazelnut gold uses palladium rather than nickel to create its muted color, which is important for many people with nickel sensitivities. If you have a known metal allergy, you should discuss the exact composition with us before your ring is made.
Which Diamonds Look Best with Hazelnut Gold?
White diamonds create a clear contrast and appear especially bright against the warm metal. Champagne-colored and cognac-colored diamonds complement the metal's tones and create a particularly harmonious look.
Can Hazelnut Gold Be Combined with Platinum or White Gold?
Yes. Two-tone wedding bands combining hazelnut gold with white gold or platinum are possible. The setting of an engagement ring can also be crafted from white gold or platinum while the band itself is made from hazelnut gold.
Can Hazelnut Gold Rings Be Resized?
Yes, hazelnut gold rings can be resized just like other gold alloys. The extent of the adjustment depends on the ring design and whether it contains diamonds.
Where Can I See Hazelnut Gold Rings in Munich or Augsburg?
In our showrooms in Munich and Augsburg, you can compare hazelnut gold sample rings with all other gold colors and platinum. We recommend booking an appointment in advance so we can dedicate enough time to your consultation.
Does Designer Diamonds Make Wedding Bands in Hazelnut Gold?
Yes. We craft engagement rings and wedding bands in hazelnut gold in our own goldsmith workshops in Munich and Augsburg. You can choose a design from our configurator or have a completely custom ring created.
