Did you know that approximately half of all pure gold mined globally today is destined for jewellery creation? Indeed, jewellery making is the largest single use of gold. But why is gold so intrinsically linked with adornment? What makes this precious metal so universally coveted, setting it apart from other materials or even other metals?
At Carathea, with our decades of experience from our high street jewellers, Jools, we've witnessed firsthand the enduring allure of gold. Mankind has been mining and coveting gold for over 5,000 years, recognising its exceptional status. From the gold carried as a gift by one of the Three Kings at the birth of Christ, to the iconic death mask of Tutankhamun and the treasures that filled his burial chamber, gold has always symbolised wealth, power, and the divine. Even modern sporting triumphs are marked with gold medals, a tradition echoing gold's long-held position of honour.
So, why has gold consistently been the first choice for crafting beautiful rings, necklaces, and bracelets? Here are twelve compelling reasons why gold is used in jewellery making:
1. Gold Has Been Held in The Highest Esteem Throughout History
Gold has an unparalleled prestige, unrivalled by any other metal. This inherent admiration means there's no barrier to accepting the quality of a gold jewellery design. A designer can focus purely on creativity, knowing the gold itself already commands immense respect and desire. This enduring reverence makes gold jewellery a timeless choice.
2. Gold Looks Beautiful
- Gold’s Lustre: First and foremost, gold possesses an undeniable beauty. Its natural lustre and sheen are only enhanced through the skilled processes of curving, polishing, and shaping by master artisans.
- Gold’s Colour: Pure gold boasts a rich, warm golden-yellow colour. In ancient civilisations, this hue often symbolised sunlight, the heavens, and the divine. Interestingly, Welsh gold, due to its natural alloying with copper in the earth, can exhibit a distinctive rosy, warm tint. The versatility of gold allows for the creation of various colours when alloyed with other metals. For instance, pure gold mixed with copper yields rose gold; while mixing with platinum, palladium, or silver, often followed by rhodium plating, produces white gold. At Carathea, we offer stunning collections in yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold to suit every taste and skin tone.
3. Gold Is Relatively Inert
One of gold's most remarkable properties is its inertness. It doesn't readily react chemically with the everyday atmosphere – including air, moisture, or heat. This means gold does not rust, tarnish badly, or deteriorate. This is why we can still admire ancient gold coins and gold jewellery in museums worldwide that were crafted hundreds or even thousands of years ago, often with minimal tarnish that can be easily wiped away with a gold jewellery cleaning cloth. This incredible longevity makes gold christening bracelets and other gold jewellery the perfect heirloom gifts, treasured for generations.
4. Gold is Hypoallergenic
Because gold is so inert, it rarely reacts with skin chemistry or other chemicals like perfumes or lotions, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Many people find relief by switching to solid gold earrings, such as gold sleeper earrings, to allow ear piercings to heal after irritation from lesser-quality metals.
5. Gold Holds or Increases in Value over Time
Unlike most consumer goods, gold consistently holds or increases its value over time, making it an exceptional investment material. During periods of economic uncertainty, gold often sees a surge in price, reinforcing its status as a reliable store of wealth. This makes gold investment a wise choice for those seeking both beauty and financial security.
6. There Is A Large Market For Second-Hand Gold Jewellery
Partly due to its enduring value and partly to the appreciation for traditional jewellery-making methods and unique designs, the market for second-hand gold jewellery thrives. People enjoy discovering pre-loved pieces, often finding excellent value and sustainable options. Unlike most items we wear, gold jewellery is frequently recycled and repurposed. You can find some truly unique older gold chain link necklaces and gold bracelets with interesting designs in the second-hand market. The popularity of men’s gold rings has also seen a significant increase, further expanding this market.
7. Gold Symbolised The Gods and Royalty
Gold's association with divinity and royalty dates back millennia. Its presentation to Jesus by the Three Kings signified its worthiness for a king on Earth. Ancient Egyptians linked pure gold objects with divine leaders, later broadening its association with wealth and social prestige. This deep-rooted symbolism continues today, with gold used in significant ceremonies, from ancient religious rites to gold wedding bands and christening bangles, embodying the highest levels of commitment and reverence.
8. Gold Was Scarce but Found All Over The World
Gold's unique distribution across the globe, combined with its relative scarcity, ensured its universal value. It was available in many countries but never in such abundance that it would lose its precious status, making it a globally recognised and highly valued commodity.
9. Gold Was Used As A Currency
Gold's inherent characteristics made it an ideal form of currency and a medium for bartering. It held its value remarkably well, did not perish, could be easily divided into smaller portions, and was portable. These qualities made it a universally understood form of exchange for traders worldwide. Historically, early coins were made of pure gold, and while later alloys were introduced, the weight of gold within the coin determined its value. You can delve deeper into this topic in our article on "What is Gold Carat (or Gold Karat)?"
10. Alloys Meant More Choice and Different Price Points
The ability to alloy gold with other metals, such as copper or silver, introduced greater versatility. This alloying allows for different price points (e.g., 9ct gold being more affordable than 22ct or 18ct) and enhances the gold's durability. While a higher percentage of pure gold (fineness) results in a richer yellow colour, an alloyed gold piece can be more hard-wearing. For example, a 9ct gold wedding band will typically be more durable than an 18ct or 22ct one, making it practical for everyday wear.
11. Gold is Malleable and Ductile
Gold's exceptional malleability and ductility (its ability to be stretched into wire or hammered into thin sheets) make it incredibly versatile for jewellery creation. It can be intricately shaped, drawn into fine wires, or beaten into gold leaf thin enough to cover entire buildings or even cosmonauts' visors for sun protection. This property allows skilled goldsmiths to showcase their artistry and enables gold to be the perfect metal in which to securely set vibrant gemstones.
12. Gold Is Conductive to Heat
Gold is a highly conductive metal, which means it rapidly reaches body temperature when placed against the skin. This characteristic makes gold jewellery incredibly tactile and comfortable to wear, creating an immediate, pleasing sensation for the wearer.
To Conclude...
Gold remains, and always has been, the most sought-after precious metal for jewellery. Its inherent beauty, timeless lustre, and diverse colour options make it visually appealing against all skin tones. Beyond aesthetics, its inert nature ensures longevity, making it a perfect heirloom. Its hypoallergenic properties offer comfort, and its consistent increase in value makes it a smart investment.
At Carathea, we celebrate the enduring legacy of gold. By offering gold jewellery UK across different levels of fineness, we ensure there is a beautiful, high-quality gold piece for every budget and every special moment.
0 comments