WHAT IS GOLD?
First of all, what exactly is gold? Gold is a naturally occurring metal. It is found deep in the earth's crust, in shallow land, in mountains, seawater and in micro traces all around the earth. It’s an element of earth and found on the periodic table as AU.
What is so unique about gold?
From a jewellery perspective, the allure of gold is multi-faceted. For one, the color of pure gold and its alloyed combinations are intoxicating. Though some may disagree with this, those of us whom like gold do not. When some walks into a room wearing a beautiful piece of gold jewellery, our eye’s are instantly captivated. There are many beautiful metals, and combination of metals, but gold has captivated us since the beginning of time.
Secondly, gold is virtually indestructible and corrode resist. Creating jewellery with gold will last longer than virtually any other metal known to humankind. As such, gold jewellery is often passed from generation to generation and we able to enjoy a piece of jewellery as if it were a timeless piece of art. We see an ancient piece of gold jewellery or arificact and we are instantly transported through time because we get to see the item as the creator saw the item.
Since it was first discovered it was used a bartering mechanism. For many generations it was the worlds standard of money trade - The Gold Standard. To this day, there is still a worldwide trading market for this element - Spot Trading.
GOLD Properties
Gold is soft and yellow in its natural state. It is a corrosion-resistant element, the most malleable and the most ductile of metals, and is also a heavy metal. Gold conducts electricity well and is generally non-reactive. Gold is also non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
10k, 14k, 18k & 24k
Gold is usually alloyed to give it strength. alloying means mixing pure gold with other metals to give it strength or a new color. Pure gold is always yellow in color described out of TWENTY FOUR parts. pure gold is described as 24 Karats. eighteen karat gold means 18 parts out of 24 parts are pure gold - and 6 parts are an alloy. foourteen karat gold means 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts alloy. and so on.
Current Spot Pricing
Gold is an internationally traded commodity. At varying points in world history, the financial system was tied to gold reserves. Meaning, a country was only permitted to print it's currency in a ratio to the amount of gold it owned. This was know as the gold standard. Today, the world no longer uses the gold standard, but gold is often considered the next best thing to cash money. It is traded in every world market and redeemable for cash through any commodity trader.
Historical gold pricing
Spot Pricing
Historical Pricing
White Gold & Rose Gold
Gold Rushes
“we must figure out who is gold and who is gold plated”