Precious

What makes gold the precious metal it is? Have you ever wondered about that? With all the elements that exist on our planet, what makes gold the ultimate precious metal? Why do women and men around the globe adorn their necks with an 18k gold necklace? Or their fingers with a 21k gold ring? Why is it used in all of our ceremonies? 

 We designate our most accomplished athletes with a gold medal. We consider gold an essential part of our weddings all across the globe.  

 In India, a bride is a living mannequin for 21k gold bracelets, gold sets, and gold earrings.  

 In Turkey, all guests pin gold coins to a sash worn by the newly married couple. But they who are closest and most loving will dress the bride up with 21k gold bracelets to show their sincere, warm and hearty wishes for the new couple! 

 Chemistry and a little bit of economy might give us a hint about the precious status of this metal. 

 The element gold, unlike other elements, isn't reactive, and it doesn't oxidize. That is the reason when a thousand years old gold artefact is discovered. It still shines as if it had been manufactured yesterday. This is what makes an antique 21k gold ring keeps its value, even worth more, after hundreds of years. Also, gold is a rare metal; it is not too abundant and not too rare, scarce enough to make it valuable yet available to the extent it is usable. 

 Gold is hard to extract, but not too hard where the cost makes it unattainable for most buyers. The element gold is stable, portable and non-toxic. It is safe for a newborn to wear 18k stud earrings and for a woman to prepare her family a lovely dinner wearing a 21k gold ring. 

 Adding to this that fact that gold is the only element with its own designated colour that makes it truly unique. 

In addition, from a financial point of view, gold is expensive in cost, which makes it the perfect metal to be the "precious" one. This metal served as a versatile jewellery base and as a currency through the ages because no other element has all these characteristics combined in one. 

 That is what made most civilizations across the globe and through history agree to make gold their safe haven. 

 Gold is an amazing metal safe both for use and for saving wealth. There is no element on earth that combines these features all in one, ultimately making it the precious metal.