Gold shines on
Lakshmi Kothaneth
There might be metals and minerals, but gold continues to shine.
The dilemma has always been about whether to use gold as an investment or as jewelry. Traditionally in Arabic and Asian cultures, gold has been part of a woman’s personal wealth, especially her bridal jewelry.
My friend tells me her favorite designs are traditional Omani designs. And others might say gold is too yellow, and they want something subtler, so perhaps they will opt for 18 carat gold, which is known to have 75% gold and 25% alloys.
Whatever the case may be, gold continues with its demand and prominence. At present, the gold price is at its peak, and it is one metal that reflects world politics. This is the time people who purchase gold as an investment would sell their collection.
So why this attraction to gold?
Traditionally it has been a sign of prosperity. And people in some cultures believe gold is good for the health.
According to the Minerals Education Coalition, gold is primarily found as the pure, native metal. Sylvanite and calaverite are gold-bearing minerals. Gold is usually found embedded in quartz veins or placer stream gravel.
Australia, Greece, New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, the United States, and Canada all experienced the gold rush in the 19th century. But much before that in other countries, gold was appreciated for its purity.
Today gold is valued for its role even more because the financial security it provides in any emergency situation.
Many believe that there are benefits to wearing gold, such as maintaining body temperature and making one calm and relaxed by reducing stress and anxiety, in addition to building immunity. They also believe gold helps in blood circulation and is known to have a positive impact on the skin, which is why it is used as one of the ingredients in some of the skin care.
Gold is also known for its durability, but there is definitely a concern when it comes to keeping it safe.
Gold can be an expensive affair, and yet it could be one of the biggest assets. No matter how high the gold rate goes, people would still go ahead and purchase their favorite metal because there is a full return and it grows.
According to the Royal Mint, there are around 10 billion tonnes of gold dissolved in the world’s oceans. That is something to ponder.
Will there be a time when everyone can afford gold? And then would it lose its market value?
But if there are benefits in wearing them, then why not?
It might be a far-fetched dream, but even then it is a dream people don’t give up easily.