Gold – one of the first precious metals known by mankind. It is a very
well-known raw material and pleases the eye of every person. It was discovered
in streams and in the land of the ancient world. We all know very well that
it’s precious and we often hide it so that it doesn’t fall into the wrong
hands. However,
do we know why it is so valued?
Gold is found on every continent below the
surface, on the surface of the earth, and on other planets and moons in the
solar system. Gold is everywhere but very little. Many countries buy a lot of
gold and keep it in vaults. The United States alone can boast over 8,000 tons
of gold. Poland has about 250 tons. Gold is a unique money as it has been
considered money for almost 5,000 years.
In Australia, on February 5, 1869,
probably the largest nugget, weighing over 70 kg, was discovered. It was called
the "Welcome Stranger", it lay only a few centimeters below the
surface of the earth. The finders include 32-year-old John Deason and
35-year-old Richard Oates where they found him just 80 meters from the house.
It is hypothesized that a large proportion of gold
that exists on earth comes from meteorites. Evidence for this is provided by
very precise studies conducted by scientists from the University of Bristol.
According to them, the reason for the occurrence of gold on the earth is the
meteorite bombardment that took place 200 million years after the Earth was
formed. We already know the very likely cause of this raw material on our
planet. But who was the first to discover them? A source indicates that pieces
of natural gold were discovered in Spanish caves from 40,000 B.C., while it was
not until 3600 B.C. that Egyptian goldsmiths smelt gold. Real prices, already
known to everyone from jewelry or buildings, started in 2600 BC. It was then
that the ancient Mesopotamians forged the first jewelry. This was the beginning
for its aesthetic usage.
Most gold is mined in South Africa's Witwatersrand
mountain range. Nearly half of the gold that has been mined around the world
was mined in this region.
Almost all of us have gold jewelry at home, it is an
expensive gift that we give to ourselves or another person. However, it is
worth the money. We have it for years and yet it retains its aesthetic value.
It has been with us for a very long time, there is evidence that it was used
for decorative items as early as the 4th century BCE. Its appearance has been
appreciated for centuries.
Gold is not easy to mine and there is not
much of it either. People appreciate this metal not only for its good looks,
but also for several other qualities that make it unique. It is a metal that is
virtually indestructible. It is resistant to rust and most chemical processes.
At the same time, it is a very plastic metal and can be easily processed. Gold
has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Therefore, many
gold-plated or gold objects are created. An example is the liturgical vessel -
the chalice.
Have you ever bought gold jewelry? If yes, why?
Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_Stranger
https://goldprice.com/project/the-history-of-gold/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witwatersrand_Gold_Rush
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_reserve
Sources photos:
https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Commodities/Metals/Gold/stack-of-golden-bars-in-the-bank-vault-60756080_16x9.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/William_Parker%2C_Unearthing_the_Welcome_Stranger_Nugget%2C_H13298_original.jpg/1920px-William_Parker%2C_Unearthing_the_Welcome_Stranger_Nugget%2C_H13298_original.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Witwatersrand_gold.png/700px-Witwatersrand_gold.png
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/gold-jewelry-bracelets-lavish-bling-1600x882.jpg
Comments
2.It deserves such a name. As in the article, this material comes under the influence of another planet, so until we learn to make this metal, the value will be great. In addition, gold has a very good electric current conductivity, which is useful in precision devices. Additional, gold is hard. Probably it's the hardest metal, although I'm not 100% sure about that.
Right, gold has electrical applications because it has a much higher corrosion resistance than silver, which is the best electrical conductor. :)
2. Yes, I think it should have the status of a valuable material. Human has to define his fortune in some way, besides, gold is a limited and difficult material after all.
3. I have no idea because I have never been interested in such things.
Who knows, maybe you want to buy jewelry someday and you will like it very much :)
You know what they say, girls are getting jewelry from others, not buying it. ;) Of course I’m joking, but in my case it’s kinda true. I haven’t bought any gold jewelry for myself. I bought a few things for others but never for myself. I have few gold things and I love them. I don’t know if I’m some maniac, but I can definitely see the difference between noble metals and imitations. Same for the jewels ;) Although gold is definitely more shiny than coloured metal, it is also more vulnerable for scratches etc. I mean, it depends on the metal alloy and the gold to other metals ratio in this. The more pure gold you get, more vulnerable it gets. Gold is very soft metal, so you will never get pure gold, because it’s kinda pointless. My engagement ring is made from alley in which gold is playing main part, and now it’s scratched in some places even though I’m very careful with it.
Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
I don’t have an opinion on that. I mean, gold is hard to get, it is limited so I know that are the factors determine its price or title. Maybe it deserves to be called “precious reasource”, we need to set value on things, in money and gold works great in that case. Having gold things, or any other precious metal things is valuable and can estimate your fortune, just like any other investment. I don’t know much about the industry and mines, but I can estimate that like in every other business there is some cruelty behind it. But like I said, I think that in every big industry bad things happen, so we shouldn’t define the value of gold or any other thing by that. Gold is pretty, valuable and at some point there will be the lack of it.
What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
I don’t think it’s a bad investment, it depend on what are you looking for. If you want to buy lots of gold to hide it somewhere, or to replace your bank account with a gold bars, I’d say it’s a wrong idea, unless you are awfully rich and you are having a safe or something with part of your fortune. ;) As a smaller investment I would say it’s a good idea. I mean, gold isn’t limitless and as I said before, the resources of it would end eventually. This indicates the rise of its value, so maybe in few years you could ear something selling it. I have a collection of gold jewelry, some of the pieces are from my grand grand grandmother, so I don’t see it like investment, rather family memo. Maybe if there will be some cruel times for me, when I would need to choose between the jewelry or living it would safe my life, who knows. ;)
I used to buy gold plated jewelry for my mom and girlfriend. Sam, I don't like gold - I think it's a bit unleavened, so I don't buy gold jewelry. Who knows, maybe someday I will change my mind :)
2. Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
I don't know if it deserves or not, but for 1 gram of gold you pay more than 1 gram of coal or steel. The world is ruled by capitalism, gold has always been considered a symbol of wealth for millennia. Whether gold is really valuable, then the functioning of monetary systems is based on this idea - after all, a banknote is also worth nothing - it's just paper with a number, but they represent some value. Therefore, I don't know if gold is really worth anything, but I know that if you have gold, you are rich :)
3. What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
It seems to me that an investment in gold is a safe investment. Throughout the ages, you have seen that gold does not lose its value, it is always in price. Honestly, I've been interested in buying gold lately. Just for investment purposes.
2. From what I know gold doesn't have any other usage, then in the jewelry industry. It looks nice, however, now days there are perfect imitations of golden jewelry that are much less pricy. It is one of the rarest elements on our planet, but it is only valuable because people decided so. I don't think that gold itself is precious, but the value that people gave it kind of sets value of every other product on the market.
3. Investment in gold is probably always a good idea. Its value is always high, you can be certain that it will always be worth something. It doesn't spoil and it cannot be destroyed easily. It is a good investment.
No, I just received it as a present a few times, so now I can save its value in my mother's house :)
Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
Probably yes, as far as gold is quite precious.
What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
From my point of view buying gold is a good way of saving the value of money, but not investing, I believe nowadays people can get much better profit from investing in stocks.
I can tell you honestly that I also never bought anything gold or any jewelry to myself. I got many gold chains but I don't wear them even though some of them are really very nice. I don't like wearing something that has no functionality. But that's how it's worth keeping gold, not getting rid of it. Who knows how much it might be worth in a few years. It is also a sentimental value.
I think your Grandma is right. Gold will not lose its value. Oh, I think you can be wrong, gold isn't valuable only because it looks nice and it shines. It's also used in electricity and this material is easy to work with.
You need to know what stocks to invest in, otherwise you will lose everything :)
2. Of course, why not? When we think of valuables, we usually think of gold. From the dawn of time, gold has been considered a symbol of wealth and luxury. I see no contraindications for calling them precious resource.
3. I think investing in gold is an average investment these days. It seems to me that you can earn more by investing in cryptocurrencies, images or real estate. It is worth mentioning that investment in gold is one of the simplest forms of investment with a low risk of failure.
2. I don’t think that any resource should deserve anything. I believe people have all the power and knowledge to define certain resources.
3. I believe it’s just a type of investment. I don’t have enough knowledge on this field to be sure, but it seems it’s better to make different investments before knowing which will work.
1. Have you ever bought gold jewellery? If yes, why?
Yes! Gold jewellery is timeless and durable. Also, it holds value. I tend to avoid buying cheap plastic jewellery in clothing stores. It is tempting because they are always cute and super fashionable but they are made from poor quality materials. Mostly gold jewellery cost me 10x more than fake cheap versions but for me, it’s worth it. All my gold jewellery pieces hold memory value for me or are base of my style. My favourites are small earrings hoops and gold chain necklace after my mother with two pendants (one of them is a golden snitch and the second one is time turner).
2. Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
Absolutely! For a long time, gold was the cover for the currency and holds the price even nowadays.
3. What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
It’s hard to tell. When I was at high school I was on a school trip at the Polish national bank. The lady there recommends us investing in gold.
Yes, I have bought jewelry but usually for someone as a gift.
2.Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
I think that gold is very important because it is not only used as jewelry, but it is also widely used in many fields, including medicine, electronics and aerospace.
3.What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
I think that investing in gold is not a bad idea and may turn out to be very good in the future.
For me not, but for my girlfriend yes, so basically the reason why was to give her a great present.
2. Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
Yes, gold is from centuries treated as a precious resource and still is highly appreciated. Not without a reason we have a lot of luxury brands that are selling their goods made of gold and only the social elite can allows themselves to buy such things.
3. What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
Yes, this is very good investment and allows you to keep your portfolio diversified and secure. Gold from centuries is highly valued and some of the countries even bind their currencies in relations to gold value. Also China is now investing much money in buying gold probably to connect the Juan to it.
I believe that it is. It is very expensive, difficult to mine and very useful for making jewelry and items that beautify our lives.
I think investing in gold is very good. Over time the price of gold may rise, in case most of the gold on earth has been dug up then gold will become even more valuable because people will understand that gold is not renewable.
No, I've never bought gold. I simply don't earn that much money, but if I had more money then I propably would buy it.
Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
I guess so. I mean that it's very rare and pretty so name is adequate.
What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
I think that it looks like a good investment. The price of gold is steadidly rising over the years, so in my opinion it's good investment.
I always wanted to have some medieval/viking era jewelry, like a pendant or a ring. I often browse Ebay listings for all sorts of things like this, but if the item is in good condition it can cost hundreds of dollars, so for now I save that dream for later. I am very excited about the idea of wearing jewelry that is nearly a thousand years old. But apart from browsing through offers, I've never bought gold jewelry in my life.
2. Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
Definitely, I heard somewhere that the amount of gold mined by humans throughout their existence is less than the daily production of steel.
3. What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
With the skyrocketing inflation and global crisis I guess the gold might be a good investment.
I have never bought gold jewelry because of the huge price. I have certainly bought something gold-plated, e.g. gold-plated copper, etc. In general, I do not like to buy jewelry and ornaments, because I have the impression that the money could be used more wisely.
Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
Definitely yes, because gold has been used for hundreds of years. It has always been known as a prestigious metal with excellent properties such as hardness and high current conductivity. Besides, its color is very attractive, especially after polishing, when the gold is shiny. What also affects its preciousness is the difficulty of extraction. This metal is scarce and it is difficult to extract it. It's a bit like buying a great quality product and a limited edition too.
What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
Investing in gold is a very good investment. When you look at the value of gold over the last few years, you can easily see that its price is stable and even rising. The value has never decreased, which confirms that it is worth investing in gold. it is definitely a more stable capital investment than physical money, let alone zloty or euro. From what I have heard, silver is also a stable capital investment, although not so prestigious.
Yes, gold is my favourite type of jewellery out of silver, rose gold and others. I adore the way it reflects light and colours, also it highlights my complexion and hair colour. Some people like to cover themselves with accessories, but I'm more of a minimalist, so I prefer dainty necklaces, very few delicate rings or subtle earrings. I think that jewellery can elevate your look and mood with just a simple touch.
Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
Gold has been the symbol of wealth and prosperity for many generations and in many different cultures, so its status as a precious resource is definitely accurate. However, like to every industry, there is the dark side. Some gold mines in today's world still involve child labour and slavery, in less developed countries without regulations regarding this matter. Since gold jewellery is not a necessity, I would encourage anyone who is looking for a gold accessory to try and check out jewellers with certificates of ethically sourced gold or vintage stores. After all, there is so much nice gold jewellery that our families have had for generations so why not try to incorporate them in today's fashion?
What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
I don't really follow stocks and gold prices, but apparently, since the pandemic began, people have invested more and more in gold and it has increased in value significantly. Since gold is so universal and its value is recognised everywhere, I think it might be a good neutral investment that would not easily loose its value.
Yes, I think so too. It's better to buy real gold than something plastic that will eventually drop to zero value. And gold is always precious, that's what history tells.
True, gold is a safe investment option. The advantage of investing in gold is also the fact that you don't need to have an in-depth knowledge of how the market works. Gold is a good and safe investment, but on a long-term scale. If someone wants to earn money quickly, gold isn’t good choice.
No, I've never bought gold jewelry. I don't use jewelry except some accessories that have sentimental value for me, unfortunetely nothing is gold or even silver. I've known some people at my age who wear gold jewelry everyday, they mostly look like christmas tree. I don't think this is attractive or interesting.
2. Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
I think gold is important. It's uncommon, it's resources are limited. Gold is also easy craftable to make some accessories. Many cultures if not every consider it as wealth symbol.
3. What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
I don't know about this for sure, but I've heard that many people convert their money to gold as an insurence, because gold demand is still present and probably this position will be maintained for many years. It is also known that gold prices got steady increase, mostly unaffected by stock market.
Yes, it is, it’s something rare and limitless, every country tries to kept and save it to keep their currency on world area competitive, so I guess it deserves to be precious.
Actually, I think it depends on what do you mean by “good” investment if you want to keep your money safe and protect it gonna be a good investment, but also it won’t give you more dividends, so for me hard to answer on this question.
I haven't. Although it might be a great gift, I'm a person that loves to give more practical presents, and personaly I don't have a need for jewelry.
2. Do you think gold deserves to be called a precious resource?
I think I do. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about gold is that it is often used in small quantities in electronics, which are necessary in today's world.
3. What do you think is an investment in gold a good investment?
I don't really know, but from financial standpoint, gold has always been valuable, and even if I can't decide, if investing in gold is good, I can honestly say that it's safe.
2. Gold is one of the most important ore since ancient times. I think that nowadays gold is not as much precious as it was in the past but it's still a viable option to invest and some form of accumulation of money.
3. In my opinion it's a good option but it has some disadvantages. For example if the war comes up it's really hard to transport your gold with you or just to keep it safe. Also it's much easier to rob your gold storage than to steal your money for example from cryptocurrency account.
I think we can call it a precious resource because in my opinion things made of gold can last much longer that the ones for example made of silver.
Yes, I think investment in gold is a good idea. I feel like gold is one of those sources which is appreciated and has value from ages. And I believe that it won’t lose any value.
I also think it would be great to have a golden family heirloom
which would not only gain in monetary value but also have a sentimental value