Gold is among the most sought after elements in the world, but it is often the setting placed inside gold that makes up the jewelry piece. We will look at the most expensive pieces of jewelry on the planet today. Where did they come from and what infamous lore surrounds them even in our modern times.
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond now sits in the Smithsonian and remains as the most expensive diamond on the planet. The blue hue has attracted royalty and thieves alike. The 45.52 carat diamond was, at one time, much larger. Through the years, it has been cut and placed in various gold settings to portray true opulence.
Originally, the Hope Diamond was mined from the Golkonda mines located in India and was sold to a French Gem Merchant. The stone was cut and shaped and given the name French Blue. It was then stolen from the royal family and turned up sometime later, 1839 in the Hope Family’s jewel collection. Although the Hope Diamond has changed hands many times, it is said to be cursed as those who have owned it have endured very tragic lives.
Peacock Broach
Coming in second to the Hope Diamond is the Peacock Broach. This stunning piece is worth just a mere 100 million and is just 20.02 carats. It is also a more recent piece. The Peacock Broach was presented by Gaff Diamonds in 2013. Although it was sold, the buyer remains anonymous and the location of this amazing broach is unknown.
Pink Star
The Pink start is a 59.6 carat pink diamond and although it is larger than the Hope, it is worth just 71.2 million. The Pink Star has been featured at the Smithsonian, but was auctioned to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises located in Hong Kong in 2017. It remains as a part of their private collection today.
Oppenheimer Blue
As the largest Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond, the Oppenheimer Blue is a highly sought after piece. This 14.62 carat diamond is shrouded in mystery. No one seems to have a clear indication of where it came from, but it was auctioned for 57.5 million in 2016. However, the buyer’s name has never been released, so the mystery lives on with this unique and striking piece.
L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace
Although not a single diamond, this amazing diamond necklace comes in at 407.48 carats and is worth an amazing 55 million. The history of this necklace surrounds the center diamond it has become famous for. Where most diamonds are mined out of famous mines, this one was actually found by a young girl in the Democratic Republic of Congo 30 years ago. The name of the girl was not released, so it is safe to say, she didn’t get to keep her unique find.
The perfect stone placed in the ideal gold setting can be unmatched beauty. When you find the right piece of jewelry for the one you love, it will match their personality perfectly. Even if you cannot afford the most expensive pieces in the world, it doesn’t matter. Buy the jewelry that fits your person best!
We hear it all the time, the ranking of gold pieces. The ranking determines a lot about a piece of gold, but few really understand what is means by 10k and higher gold rankings. We will discover the 5 types of gold and what their rankings actually mean.
10 K
10 K gold is the lowest denomination that can be considered gold. It does have a level of pure gold, but it is a mere 41.7%. The additional 58.3% is a mix of metals containing nickel and copper. The addition of these metals helps strengthen a 10 K gold piece, so it is far less malleable than pure gold. When melted down, the additional metals will come away from the pure gold.
14 K
With 14 K gold, the numbers are reversed. 14 K has 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% additional metals. This gold denomination is slightly more malleable, but still considered strong gold. 14 K is often found in simple department store gold pieces and not noted as very expensive. General necklaces and bracelets are often 14 K gold. They maintain their luster, but can tarnish due to the evidence of other metals.
18 K
With 18 K gold, you begin to move into the more luxurious gold pieces. 18 K gold is 75% pure gold and just 25% other metals. Everyday jewelry and some of the finer pieces are comprised of 18 K gold. It lasts a long time and does not tarnish like the less quality forms of gold.
22 K
22 K gold is almost pure. Its composition is 91.6% pure while the remaining 8.4% is comprised of various additional metals. This notation remains somewhat strong, so everyday jewelry can be made of 22 K, but most often this is reserved for finer pieces and those that will be worn less often.
24 K
The most coveted pieces of gold jewelry are 24 K. 100% pure gold is what you can expect with 24 K. This type of gold is far more malleable than any other type making it not the most practical for everyday use. However, if you want a piece of jewelry to remain beautiful for years without tarnishing, 24 K is the perfect type.
Gold jewelry is a status symbol, but more than that, these pieces can be passed down from generation to generation. Gold is timeless and remains beautiful virtually forever. If you have been looking for a piece of jewelry to give to someone you love, carefully consider how often they will wear it, your budget, and what the person really means to you.
Finding the right piece of jewelry is not always about how it looks in the case. It is important to carefully inspect each piece to determine its quality and overall durability. The more refined gold piece you give, the longer it will last, but the more fragile it will be. Carefully considering all your options will help you make an informed decision and ultimately make the piece more special for the recipient.
Gold can be a color, jewelry, an adornment, woven into various fabrics, and in today’s modern world, it can even be an ingredient in food. For centuries gold has been a sign of wealth and power, but in our world today, what does gold actually say about you? When you buy a new gold watch, necklace, or bracelet, what are other people actually thinking about you?
Status
Make no mistake about it, gold is a status symbol. Seeing someone dripping with gold bling makes them appear to be of a higher status. Gold adorned head dresses at an opulent event or stunning earrings dangling as a lady glides through the crowd is the ultimate status symbol. So, the next time you’re looking to impress someone, skip the silver and go strait to the gold.
Age
You can often tell someone’s age by their jewelry choices. Although this is not the case with every single person, it is true of most. Younger people tend to purchase and wear cheaper forms of jewelry since they have a lower income. Those in a higher tax bracket, older individuals, have more disposable income and can afford to purchase actual gold pieces.
Self-Reward
Did you know gold is sometimes an award for a job well done? We don’t mean gaining the gold metal at the Olympics, but possibly landing that big promotion you’ve been waiting on. Going into a jewelry store and purchasing your first piece of actual gold can be a game changing moment. It is a proud moment and as you leave the store wearing your new piece, others can definitely tell you deserved that reward.
Self-Expression
Gold can be a way to express yourself. It can be easy to purchase any form of mass produced piece of jewelry, but when you opt for gold, you are getting something truly unique. There are plenty of mass produced gold jewelry available, but people can certainly tell when you have taken your time to pick out something that perfectly matches your unique style. Take the time to express yourself and see how many people notice.
An Expression of Personality
Types of gold jewelry actually say a lot about a person’s individual personality. For instance, a small pair of simple gold earrings or a small chain and pendant can indicate a more subdued personality. Whereas a set of large hoop earrings or a larger than average drop chain and large pendant can showcase to others that you want to be seen and have an over the top personality. Choose your pieces carefully to showcase your personality.
We do not always need to think about what others are thinking of us, but in the case of wearing gold, it is a positive thing. Take your time to find pieces that make you feel good about you and really don’t worry about what others think. However, if you want to be looked at as elegant and a part of the upper crust of society, gold is a great stepping stone for that.
You’ve seen all the movies where the most important thing in the plot is finding a precious treasure. It can be a cup, mask, chest full of treasure, but the common denominator is gold. Most treasure seekers on television and in movies are seeking gold, but what is it about gold that makes it a truly timeless treasure? We will look a little deeper into the attributes of gold that make it so sought after.
Durability
Many metals oxidize discoloring the look and sometimes even the texture of the metal. Gold is different. Gold has been discovered in ancient tombs from thousands of years ago and with just a little cleaning, that stunning luster comes right back. The durability of gold is one of the best attributes that make this timeless treasure so important. Other metals will simply deteriorate given enough time, but gold will always stay beautiful.
A Symbol of Wealth
What do you see in images of wealthy people of the past? Most often they are surrounded by their most prized possessions and gold jewelry hanging from their neck, on their arms, or perched on their finger. Gold is a true symbol of wealth and something the most affluent people in the world tend to invest in.
Scarcity
When something is mass produced, it is easy to make it cheap and affordable. However, with a precious metal like gold, there is no way to mass produce the actual metal. Whatever gold is in the earth that can be mined out is the only gold there will ever be. The scarcity of gold is what makes it so precious to cultures and various people across the globe.
Recognized Globally
No other metal on the planet is recognized more than gold. Gold is a universal form of trade that is unmatched by anything else. From the poorest countries to the wealthiest, they all know what gold is. In certain countries, gold is so highly prized it is used to gold plate cars and can even be purchased in bar form from vending machines. The obsession with gold has been a long standing entity throughout history and gold remains as the most recognizable metal we possess.
Sentimentality
Although gold is prized for its various attributes in the larger scope of the world, many pieces offer more sentimentality than anything else. Due to gold’s overall durability and timeless nature, pieces can be passed from generation to generation for all eternity. Families can have pieces dating back hundreds of years still in tact with the sentimentality of everyone in the past. That is probably the most important attribute of gold, so don’t settle for anything less than the best.
Gold changes form. It can be melted down into any number of things and fashioned into some of the most amazing pieces of jewelry imaginable. However, no matter the attribute or what the gold is worth, the most important thing is that you cherish the pieces you are given and purchase new ones for those you love. Give them something that will last forever.
We have all been enveloped by the mystic beauty of gold and all that it can do. Being given a stunning new piece of gold jewelry is something special, but is jewelry all gold can do? Certainly not. We will look into the various unique products available throughout the world that utilize gold.
Medication
Would you believe gold is used in some medication? Where it is true gold is used in some opulent foods, it is not always advertised how versatile gold can be for medicines. Actually, gold has been proven to be a significant help in reducing inflammation and various pains throughout the body. Gold is most commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis medicine to aid patience in alleviating joint pain.
Radiation Suits
Although we hope radiation disasters are avoided, they can happen and we have to be prepared for anything. Radiation suits allow individuals to go into hot zones and test for radiation levels without exposing themselves to radiation poisoning. These suits cover the person from head to toe and can withstand massive amounts of radiation. Part of that protection comes from gold. A thin gold layer is put into both radiation suits for earth and space suits to aid in the prevention of solar radiation during space walks.
Airplane Windows
Condensation at high altitudes is always a concern of pilots everywhere, but with the help of gold, at least the windshield can be protected. Gold is used in a very thin layer as a window defogger at high altitudes. Gold, being a non-corrosive metal allows for current from the defogging system to run through the window without obstructing the pilots view and keeping everything perfectly clear.
Clothing
It is not uncommon for people to buy luxury brand clothing and some actually do utilize gold strands to make fabric for their luxury styles. However, there are 2 brands in India that are actually famous for the practice. Both Pankaj Parakh and Datta Phuge weave gold strands into their business suits and dress clothes, so the men walking the streets can look their very best.
Weight Loss
Weight control is nothing new, but as we advance in our understanding of how weight forms and how to get rid of it. There are mountains of treatments that promise weight loss without the uncomfortable nature of high end training and dieting. You may not think gold would be a part of this equation, but it is. NanoLipo is one of the leading weight loss companies in the world. They have discovered that injecting a small amount of actual gold into certain parts of the body helps melt fat away so it can be easily sucked out of the body.
Gold is versatile and has stood the test of time. It is not a metal that should be taken for granted as it can do so much. The next time you are taking a medicine for inflammation or buying a luxury brand of clothing, take a moment and look at the ingredients. You might be in the presence of a unique gold product.
The Importance of Gold to Religions Around the World
There is nothing more stunning than a beautifully crafted piece of fine gold jewelry, but is gold more than just pretty? Does it signify something more than just an adornment for the human body? Today we will look at religions all across the globe to see what their view of gold is and what it symbolizes to their beliefs.
Christianity
Gold is found throughout the Christian faith. From the Children of Israel gathering gold before they left Egypt all the way to the new testament where Jesus was given gold at his birth and even in throughout Revelations gold is used to symbolize wealth and the glory of God. Others will argue that gold is representative of the purity of God and his holy reign. There is even a story where Moses ground up a calf made of pure gold that the Israelites were worshiping and made them drink it to purify their iniquity. Gold is significantly important to the Christian religion.
Hinduism
Christianity is a monotheistic religion meaning one, singular god. However, in Hinduism, the polytheistic mindset means there are many gods and the religion greatly embraces gold to represent many of their gods. It is not the act of placing gold on the divine that is most important, but what it represents. Gold is representative of the opulent power of all Hindu gods and their emphasis on radiance and reverence. You will see pure gold representing inner light on Hindu god statues and representations.
Islam
In the Islamic faith gold is not used as opulence as with other religions. The unique aspect of Muslims and how they view gold is primarily based on wisdom, purity, and aspects of life Muslims strive for. As Muslims are supposed to represent humility in their daily walk, it is rare to see a person adorned with gold. Gold in the Islamic faith is reserved for their temples. Gold domes on top of temples are very common throughout the Islamic faith.
Judaism
Although Judaism and Islam are completely different religions, there are some similarities in their emphasis on gold. Like Muslims, Jewish people adorn their temples with gold to represent the purity of their deity. In the Jewish faith, and in the Christian religion, The Ark of the Covenant was completely encased in gold, therefore, their religious vessels such as candlesticks and other ornamental pieces are comprised of gold. These objects are sacred to the Jewish people.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe gold is a representation of purity and light. Not as in light from the sun, but the inner light that is said to come from a pure soul. Gold in Buddhism is also representative of Nirvana, the ultimate goal for a Buddhist. Their Buddhist statues and other religious artifacts are always covered or purely made from gold. Purity is vitally important to the Buddhist religion and gold is the embodiment of that notion.
No matter what religion you may be, gold is likely a part of it. Whether it is a symbolic piece placed on an alter or a full statue worshipped by all, gold is important to so many religions around the world.
Gold is a stunning metal and for thousands of years it has been used for currency, jewelry, and in mountains of other ways. Even though gold has been a part of our human existence for so long, is it still relevant today? We see a lot of information on the price of gold and how good of an investment it is, but should you believe all the hype? Here is the truth about gold and why it makes such a sound investment for any individual at any point in our lives.
Inflation is Going to Happen
Inflation is something we see more than we want to. When talking to past generations where a gallon of milk was less than a dollar and fuel was no more than pocket change, we see the vast differences inflation makes over decades. Inflation is going to happen, and in our world today, it happens seemingly overnight. However, inflation never really affects gold pricing.
Gold remains constant and is a sound investment even when inflation is up in the air. Gold prices go up and down, but generally remain high at times when inflation is wavering. Gold will continue to rise if currency pricing fails.
Safe Haven Investment
Few trustworthy investments exist. At one point, it was said that land was the best investment, but it can be difficult to get your money back out of land as economic situations change. Although land is still a good investment, provided you know when to sell, keep, or lease it out, gold can be a far superior investment to property.
Gold keeps its value and is always in high demand. When you have a stash of gold at the ready, it doesn’t matter what time of the year or how the economy is doing. Gold can be sold at any time for immediate cash, making it a safe haven investment when other investments may take a long time to mature.
A Diversified Investment
Your investment portfolio should be diversified. That is largely what marks a savvy investor against a novice. However, simply investing in a lot of different avenues is not enough to ensure your investments will grow. You need a little insurance and gold is that insurance. Investing in gold helps diversify investments and give you a stronghold while you grow and further diversify your portfolio.
Gold is and always will be a sound investment. The benefits of investing in gold are phenomenal and will carry your through any economic downturn. Among the best investments for gold aficionados is jewelry. Gold jewelry can be found in a variety of places and best of all, you can wear your investment or give it as a gift to someone you love. Gold jewelry is more than just a simply gesture of kindness. It shows you truly care about the other person and their potential future. If you have yet to invest in gold in some way, it’s not too late. Invest in gold to ensure your future and your family’s as well.
Gold is a stunningly beautiful metal that is always in demand. Economists often tout gold as one of the best investments individuals can make. Why is gold such a good investment? Although economic situations can change, gold remains constantly on the rise. It is always in demand, so you can never go wrong with a sound gold investment, but how do you actually invest in gold? There are a few ways you can get started.
Mining Stocks
Among the most traditional methods of gold investing is through mining stocks. No matter how much technology surrounds most industries, gold must still be mined from the earth. Gold mining companies exist all over the world, so finding one to invest in can be relatively simple.
However, the problem with investing in these mining stocks is the startup costs. It often costs a lot per share simply due to the overall price of gold. Although it can be expensive to invest in this manner, once your investment is purchased, it only goes up from there. There is always a need for more gold.
Digital Gold Investment
There is a lot of gold in this world. It is estimated that there is just under 200,000 tons of gold in the world and that is just what has been found so far. There is actually no telling how much gold exists just waiting to be mined. However, you can own some of the World’s gold stash through digital means.
Digital gold investment allows you to own a small portion of physical gold that is stored in vaults throughout the world. These vaults are completely insured by the digital company, so there is no need for the buyer to hold insurance on their investments. Although you do not have the physical gold in hand, it is kept in safe keeping, so you can buy more or sell some depending on your needs with the touch of a button.
Purchase Physical Gold
Gold is everywhere. It can be found in everything from jewelry to computer processors, so if you want gold, you can find it easily. Purchasing physical gold seems to be the best option for most people looking to invest in this precious metal. Gold can be purchased from jewelry stores, pawn shops, and if you know what you are looking for, you can find actual gold in certain thrift stores and second hand shops.
Having physical gold in your possession gives you purchasing power when you need it and gold jewelry simply looks great on anyone. Gold is one of the only precious metal investments you can make where your spouse, child, or anyone you love can actually wear your investment.
Investing in gold is simply smart. The value only increases as more gold is mined from the earth and the metal is constantly being melted down and reshaped into whatever the owner desires. Gold is a versatile and smart investment no matter who you are, so invest in gold today and secure your future tomorrow.
Gold is beautiful. There is nothing more satisfying than being handed a gold necklace, ring, earrings, or any piece of gold jewelry. It glistens in the light and shines like no other metal on earth, but where does it all come from? Sure, we see television shows and cartoons where gold is plentiful and someone happens to find a mine, but is that really true? We will look at some of the richest gold deposits in the world.
Macassa, Canada
When you think of a gold mine, the American Gold Rush often comes to mind, but America is certainly not the only country where gold mining is available. In fact, one of the largest mines in the world is just north of the country in Macassa, Canada.
The mine is owned by Kirkland Lake Gold and the company has continually been increasing production at their home mine in Ontario, Canada since 1911. Commercial mining was expanded within the company in 2002, so it is among the largest gold mines in the world.
Fosterville, Australia
Another Kirkland Lake Gold mine is located in Fosterville, Australia. Although the mine is not quite as large as its Canadian counterpart, it is the second largest gold mine in the world.
1894 was when gold was first discovered in Fosterville, Australia and most people thought the mine would only supply gold for 5 years. However, the mine is still going strong and actually ramped up operations in 2022 and is the current largest gold mine in Victoria, Australia.
Turquoise Ridge, Nevada
Kirkland Lake Gold is not the only gold mining company in the world. On their heels of success is Barrick. Barrick’s largest base of operation is located in Turquoise Ridge, Nevada. It has become the benchmark operation for the company in recent years and although it is not quite as large as those in Canada and Australia, this location is said to have untapped potential. There’s no telling how much gold remains unmined in this part of Nevada.
Leeville, Nevada
Nevada remains as a haven for gold lovers and has been since the Gold Rush. Leeville, Nevada is home to another Barrick mine that continues to grow. Part of the reason why Nevada is so popular with gold mining is how deserted the state is. Apart from big cities such as Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada is a desert with untouched ground. Beneath the surface, far beneath, lies treasure of untold wealth.
Where you may never get the opportunity to go into a working gold mine, gold is everywhere. If you want to invest in gold there are many ways to do it, but among the most practical is to simply purchase gold jewelry. Gold doesn’t generally decrease in value and remains beautiful throughout its life. Give the gift of this precious metal to someone you love today and watch as their eyes light up with glee. Gold is the gift that keeps on giving.
A lot of what we buy depends on appearance. When we go to the store, we buy what looks good on us. It depends on color, cut, design, and various other factors that align with our overall desires. Purchasing jewelry can be a little different. There are certain people that are strictly devoted to silver jewelry and others who swear by gold, but which is right? Is it better to purchase gold jewelry or stick to silver.
Price
Gold is the more expensive option when comparing the two. Gold prices are always going up and the primary reason for this is the rarity of the metal. Silver is far more plentiful than gold making it less expensive. Although it is more plentiful, silver tarnishes. Gold can tarnish depending on what alloys it is mixed with, but pure gold will not tarnish. Silver will have to be cleaned regularly.
Diversification
This factor is relatively even for both gold and silver. Both metals can make amazing jewelry pieces that look great for any occasion. However, gold can be purchased based on purity. Alloys are added to pure gold to strengthen the metal and bring about different characteristics. Gold is more malleable than silver and gold jewelry is often easier to fix than silver.
Tradition
Traditionally, gold is king here. Gold jewelry has been a part of our world for as long as humans have walked on the earth. It has been fashioned into both jewelry and currency throughout the ages making it a true sign of wealth. Almost all countries have had their fare share of golden ages and traditional ceremonies are often dripping with gold features. Gold is a common entity in weddings and royal tradition as well. Gold is simply the more traditional option.
Overall Value
Again, the clear winner here is gold. The silver market tends to be far more volatile than gold. Silver goes through times in which it is less popular. Gold remains constant. The market is always increasing when it comes to gold, so investing in gold, from an investor’s standpoint, is the better option.
Gold and silver have their place in our world and there will always be room for both, but gold seems to be the better investment overall. Gold holds its value, is a diverse metal, and can be shaped into practically anything.
Silver, although beautiful when first purchased, will tarnish overtime and with an up and down silver market, you never know when to purchase the metal.
Gold is a sign of wealth and always has been associated as such. Silver is the lesser of the two, so if you are purchasing a piece of jewelry for someone you love and you are torn between silver and gold, choose gold. A timeless piece of gold jewelry is something they can cherish for a lifetime and like your love, it will never tarnish. Everyone has their own opinion, but when placed against one another, gold investment seems to win every time.
