From Jewelry to Investments: Gold Fever Has Captured the World

Gold necklaces, gold bullions, gold coins, gold charm bracelets, gold earrings: the precious metal represents one of the world's most influential and appealing markets. For centuries, empires have pursued wealth through gold to ensure power and influence. Its beauty and durability have made it not only a preferred material for jewelry but it also as an insurance commodity against fluctuations and depreciations of paper money.

Used by ancient humans for ornamentation and rituals, gold has been valued by cultures throughout the world - from Egyptians and Romans to Mayans and Americans. It was described to be "more plentiful than dirt" in ancient Egypt. Romans devised a way to extract it on a large scale through methods of hydraulic mining.

One of the most malleable of all metals, a single gram of gold can be beaten into a sheet of one square meter but it is also combined with metals to increase its hardness. As a conductor of heat and electricity, gold has little reaction to oxygen, moisture or heat, making it well-suited for jewelry and coins.

When it comes to jewelry, gold in its natural state appears a metallic yellow. However, it is often mixed with copper, aluminum, silver, palladium or nickel to create an alloy with greater strength and to change its color. Combined with copper, gold appears pink. In 18K and 14K gold, an addition of silver creates a greenish-yellow hue. Jewelers alloy gold with palladium or nickel to create white gold. Jewelry created with pure 24K gold is soft and therefore must be worn with greater care.

The ornamentation of kings, gold is also loved in today's cultures for its versatility and beauty. The world's largest consumer of gold, India holds the precious metal in high regard. Many Hindus believe gold is a metal of demi-gods and monarchs. On a social level, gold charm bracelets, bangles and hoops are worn to Indian functions, festivals and celebrations, but gold is more than just social statement. It's part of the fabric of the culture and inseparable essence of their belief system. For many generations, it represented the only form of savings that was practical for Indians. Gold is acquired through the years during special occasions such as weddings, births and Diwali, a religious festival.

In the United States, more than three-quarters of gold extracted today is used in jewelry. Other uses for gold include medical and dental purposes, as well as investments. Ever-conscious of trends, today's fashions wear well with gold jewelry. For instance, the gold chain necklace works with both casual and dressy styles. For a bold look, gold necklaces in a variety of textures are being layered. Popular gold colors include rose-gold, Black Hills gold, and white gold.

Remember the gold charm bracelets of the 1950s? Nearly every teen-aged girl owned such a charm bracelet, from which dangled tiny charms representing important moments in a girl's life. Even today, the gold charm bracelet is still beloved by today's women, who invest in the Danish-inspired gold charm bracelets. Adding specially-designed charms and beads to commemorate life's most important occasions and the simple joys of life. Recognizing the influence of the ancient world on gold, the Egyptian charm bracelet displays small charms, such as King Tut's burial mask, which were inspired by artifacts uncovered from ancient Egypt.

As the world experiences shifts in economic stability, many have turned back to purchasing gold for investment purposes. Experts recommend gold should be included in properly diversified portfolios. Held by every reputable bank in the world, gold is a universal finite currency. It should be considered a form of saving or financial insurance.

Owning gold jewelry can be a benefit for the storage and passing of wealth to future generations. For investment purposes, 18K and 24K gold is recommended. Everyday pieces comprised of 12 to 14K gold are also considered investments. Keep in mind that the higher the karat weight of the piece, the less durable it is for everyday wear.

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