Gold in vintage jewelry

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Weston Jewelry

 

Out of all of the natural elements in the world, it's safe to say that gold has the richest history. A long sought-after commodity, the precious metal has had many uses since it was first discovered.

The metal was originally found around the world in streams as nuggets, according to OnlyGold.com. Soon incorporated into dozens of cultures, gold was not only a beauty to behold, its malleability and ductility made it the metal of choice. Because it was found in its original state, it was the easiest to melt and develop into whatever the molder wished. Gold coins and ornaments of all shapes and sizes can be found in many different cultures around the world, with the precious metal associated with royalty, wealth and holy beings.

"Early civilizations equated gold with gods and rulers, and gold was sought in their name and dedicated to their glorification," the news source reports. Historical records indicate such power of the metal, from the Bible to Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Evidence of gold mining by the Phoenicians and Chinese among many societies can be dated back to as early as 700 BC, the news source reports. When the element became a means of money for the Greeks, mining stretched from Europe to Asia Minor and Egypt.

According to OnlyGold.com, to the Romans, gold was money. The empire was soon mining extensively throughout the land, using the metal as their main form of currency. The Roman Empire may actually not have existed if it wasn't for the power vested on the precious metal. In Egypt during the same era, gold was considered a divine metal sent by gods. According to Aldokkan.com, the element was strictly for religious and royal use. Chariots, jewelry and even funerary masks were made of the material for religious rituals.

Today, gold is used in different ways. According to the news source, small amounts of gold can actually be found in many everyday electronic devices like cell phones and calculators. In finance, gold is still used as a form of currency after thousands of years. "Many governments, individuals and institutions hold investments of gold in the convenient form of bullion," according to the source.

Of course, the metal is popularly used in jewelry. The earliest use of gold can be traced to around 6000 years ago, when the element was molded into ornaments, the news source reports. Its special properties such as its luster and malleability make it the perfect metal in manufacturing jewelry. Found in many vintage jewelry pieces throughout the centuries, gold actually cannot be used in its original pure form because it is too soft. Metals like copper and silver are then introduced to strengthen the alloy.

From diamond engagement rings to necklaces, gold's presence in vintage jewelry is unquestionable. From Victorian to Art Deco designs, the element will surely continue to be ever-present in the gorgeous pieces women wear throughout the ages.