Your Guide to Gold
Shining Allure Across the Ages
Gold is the precious metal that never goes out of style. Throughout human history, gold has been highly valued and associated with wealth, luxury, royalty and commerce; and it has transcended trends to remain extremely coveted today. Its rich luster, warmth and malleability make it ideal for a variety of purposes, from adorning the crowns of monarchs, hilts of swords and tombs of pharaohs, to its application as a conductor in electronic devices, and its prominent use in fine jewelry of all types, from engagement ring settings to trendy hoop earrings, bangles, stackable rings and much more.
So how well do you know your gold? Different qualities and types of gold, including yellow gold, white gold and rose gold, all have unique qualities that appeal to different tastes. Read on to learn all about gold and the characteristics that make it so universally adored.
Gold Trends Throughout History
Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Sumerians and Indus Valley people mined gold to create intricate jewelry, religious artifacts and currency. Later, it was highly valued by the Greeks and Romans, who used it to mint coins, decorate temples and signify social status. The Romans gave some of the first gold marriage rings, a tradition that carried over to the Byzantine empire. Many such rings were carved with depictions of the couple.
Also during the Byzantine empire, gold’s status in the economy was secured with the introduction of the solidus in the 4th century, an almost pure gold coin that facilitated trade across Europe and Asia for centuries. During the medieval period, gold's allure persisted, with European monarchies and the Catholic Church amassing vast quantities through trade with Africa and the Middle East.
The discovery of the Americas in the 15th and 16th centuries spurred a new era of gold rushes, as Spanish conquistadors plundered gold from the Aztec and Inca civilizations, fueling European economies and igniting widespread exploration. The 19th century saw significant gold rushes in California, Australia and South Africa, drawing prospectors worldwide and leading to rapid economic development in these regions. In the modern era, gold continues to be a critical asset, not just as jewelry and currency but also for its applications in technology and medicine.
The gold standard, which attached currency values to gold, was widely adopted in the 19th and early 20th centuries, only to be later abandoned in favor of fiat (government-issued and not backed by a commodity) currencies. Today, gold remains a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, with savvy investors turning to gold in times of financial instability. Despite changes in its economic role, gold's intrinsic value and cultural significance have endured, reflecting its timeless appeal and universal allure.
Qualities and Types of Gold
The Karat (K) is the measurement of the purity of gold. The higher the karat number, the greater the gold content in a given item. 24 karat gold is pure gold with no added metals. Highly malleable and bright yellow, it is used in electronics, medical devices and for investment purposes. While it is sometimes used to craft intricate fine jewelry, it is widely considered too soft for everyday wear. 18 karat gold, which is 75% gold and 25% other metals, is more durable than 24 karat or 22 karat gold, and very popular for high-end jewelry, offering both rarity and durability. 14 karat and 10 karat gold are also great choices for jewelry, and more budget-friendly than the purer forms of gold.
Yellow gold’s natural yellow hue is a classic choice for fine jewelry. It’s usually composed of pure gold and small amounts of metals like copper and zinc. It has a warm, rich color that suits both formal occasions and daily wear.
White gold, on the other hand, has a shining, silvery-white appearance as a result of its mixture with white metals like nickel, palladium and silver. It’s often rhodium-plated to enhance its whiteness, lending itself to a modern, sleek look that resembles platinum but at a more affordable price.
Rose gold takes its warm, pink hue from a blend of gold and a significant amount of copper. The higher the copper content, the more reddish the gold. This blush-worthy type of gold is popular for its romantic, vintage look.
Gold Fashions for Women and Men
Whether your taste is classic or contemporary, gold is a fantastic choice for fine jewelry for both women and men. A gorgeous way to celebrate a long-standing union, gold is also the traditional gift for 50th wedding anniversaries.
For women’s engagement rings and wedding bands, diamonds and white gold go beautifully together. The bright whiteness of the precious metal enhances a diamond’s shine. Or choose yellow gold for a warm, radiant look. Gold hoop earrings, pendant necklaces and bangle bracelets are also excellent additions to any fine jewelry collection.
For men, gold wedding bands are a simple, classic choice. The enduring elegance of gold reflects the timeless nature of his love and commitment. Gold pieces like bracelets, gold chains, luxury watches and custom jewelry can lend effortless sophistication to his outfit.
Shop Gold Jewelry at Bremer
At Bremer Jewelry, find beautiful gold gifts, engagement rings and wedding bands, trendy styles and more. Shop our large selection to find the perfect gold piece for your collection.
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