Gold Throughout History
Gold has always played a significant role in our lives, and it has always been considered valuable. Some may assume that the use of gold as a currency came first, followed by its use as jewellery. However, it is the other way around. From a very early pre-historical period, gold was treated as an ornamental item. It is believed that the first culture that used gold for fashion purposes is in Eastern Europe around 4000 B.C, and the first gold mining was probably in the Transylvanian Alps.
Ancient civilisations that followed used gold jewellery in different styles and for various purposes, such as the Sumerians, Egypt, Greek, and then Romans, which had significant influences and roles in the gold industry. For example, the Sumerians had a vast range of gold jewellery pieces that are still worn today, such as gold headdresses, rings, belts, and large necklaces. Whereas, in old Eygpt, the first time precious gold items to be buried along with their holder was recorded. Being attached to writing, the Greeks had gold as their daily topic.
Their passion for gold jewellery led them to constantly develop their jewellery. First, the Greek jewellery was affected by the east jewellery, but later on, Greeks managed to develop their unique styles. The Greek jewellery included rings, hairclips, brooches, crowns and bracelets. On the other hand, the Romans' significant gold jewellery items were the wrist and upper arm bracelets.
Throughout time, gold jewellery has had different usage and purposes. In some cultures, gold jewellery was worn to show the social hierarchy and identify each one's social class or identity. In other parts of the world, gold jewellery was used to protect from diseases or evil eyes. In medieval times, the possession of gold was mainly restricted to the church and monarchy.
The industrial revolution led to many changes and developments in techniques used to mine, refine, and shape gold. Getting gold has become way easier than before. As a result, different styles and designs became available to all, not to a particular social class. The rise of the working class made it possible for a broader range of people to afford gold jewellery.
However, it was only by the 1960s of the last century; gold jewellery design started to be a more professional job with the rise of independent jewellers. This resulted in more diversity in designs and a better capability to cope with the changes in society. As a result, gold jewellery became more personalised, and an individual touch became dominant in this industry.
As gold was always regarded as precious since it was discovered, it will continue sitting on the top of all precious metals and the most precious metal found on earth.
