Sweat of the Sun – Properties of Gold

From Mythology to the Economic Standard

The Incas called gold the “sweat of the sun”; the Pharaohs insisted on being buried in what they referred to as the “flesh of the gods”; and Isaac Newton established gold as the benchmark of a new global economy.

Sir Isaac Newton, England’s Master of the Mint, first standardized the price of gold in late 1717. First as gold coins, and later as backing for paper money, gold become the standard by which an economy was measured. It was not until 1971 when the U.S. dollar was no longer directly measured by a gold standard, that gold began to exhibit volatility as a freely traded precious metal.

Gold Properties and Mining

Gold, whose chemical symbol, AU, became valuable due to its unusual malleability, density, longevity, and perpetual shine, became the transcendent symbol of aesthetic and mystical beauty.

Gold ore appears in nuggets or grains in rocks as small veins or alluvial deposits–sediments deposited by flowing waters or rivers, called placer deposits. Alluvial placers form when dense particles such as gold or platinum accumulate where water velocity is no longer strong enough to transport deposits further. Placer mining was prominent in such times as the California Gold Rush.

Placer mining today is much more sophisticated, utilizing excavation methods such as water pressure (hydraulic mining) or by using surface excavation and tunneling equipment.

Gold Consumption

In all of history, only 161,000 tons of gold has been mined–and more than half of this amount has been excavated in the past 50 years. It is surprising also to learn that the U.S. is not the number 1 consumer of gold. But that India holds this title as the largest “gold nation” worldwide (773.6 tons of gold consumed in 2007), followed by China (363.3 tons)–who surpassed the U.S. (278.1 tons) in 2007 as the second largest gold consumer.

Although fine jewelry dominates gold as the primary use for the yellow precious metal, gold is also critical in numerous industries.

In 2007 alone:

• 2,398.7 tons of gold were used to create gold jewelry

• 310.6 tons of gold were used for electronics as a non-corroding conductor

• 253.3 tons of gold were used in exchange-traded funds which have gained immense popularity in the past several years

• 235.6 tons were used for gold investment (or bar hoarding)

• 137.0 tons were used for official gold coins

• 92.7 for various other industrials

• 72.6 tons for medals and special coins

• 57.8 tons for dentistry

Source: National Geographic, Jan. 2009

Uses in Gold Jewelry

14k gold remains the most popular gold karat of fine jewelry in the U.S.; 18k is the standard in most European countries; and 22k is the benchmark for Indian jewelry.

Due to gold’s relative softness as pure 24k gold, the yellow metal is mixed with other alloys to create ductility–the ability to shape gold without fracturing it. Gold color–such as white gold or rose gold–is another variant achieved by mixing various base alloys over others.

Copper is the most common alloy used in yellow gold–but higher concentrations of copper creates the subtle, beautiful pink hue or undertones of rose gold.

Common alloy distributions include:

14K Yellow Gold · 58.33% Gold · 4% Silver · 31.24% Copper · 6.43% Zinc

18K Yellow Gold · 75% Gold · 13% Silver · 12% Copper

14K White Gold · 58.33% Gold · 28.32% Zinc · 4.8% Nickel · 8.55% Titanium

18K White Gold · 75% Gold · 2.23% Copper · 5.47% Zinc · 17.80% Nickel

14K Rose Gold · 58.33% Gold · 2.08% Silver · 39.59% Copper

18K Rose Gold · 75% Gold · 5% Silver · 20% Copper

(Read more about white gold properties)

Because of this alloy comingling, a small percentage of the population experiences sensitivities or allergic reactions to white gold (which contains nickel)–therefore turning to platinum, or titanium as a hypoallergenic alternative.

An Amalgam of History

Gold Remains one of the most alluring of precious metals. It has been said that all of the world’s gold could fit in a 10 meter cube. Newer research suggests that the earth’s molten core may contain massive amounts of gold–”enough gold buried deep within the Earth’s core”, concludes one Australian geologist, Professor Bernard Wood, “to cover the entire land surface of the planet to a depth of half a meter”.

Whether this conclusion is incontrovertible, gold has been the focus of ages–of obsession, of love, of idolatry, and war. From Biblical references as early as Genesis–the blasphemous golden calf to the Old Testament Deliverer of Israel, Moses, who was said to be rich in gold and silver, gold has elicited a complex duality of responses from humanity. From Dirty Gold campaigns to the diminutive hopes of economies like West Africa’s reaping even the smallest of benefits from gold mining in their own lands. Gold remains, literally and figuratively, an amalgam of history.

Featured in this Post, from Apples of Gold:

Men’s Elliptical Link Bracelet in 14K Gold

Figaro Link Chain in 14K Gold

Greek Key Hoop Earrings in 14K Gold

Cushion Cut Blue Topaz and Diamond Pendant

Celtic Cross Pendant in 14K Gold

Go for the (Yellow) Gold

In the world of style, all gold is not created equal. Though any type of gold jewelry is  fabulous, gold’s three colors are in constant competition to be the hottest pick for the season. White gold was the color of choice for years, but rose and yellow gold rallied and made a strong comeback over the past few seasons. Yellow gold in particular, which had nearly fallen out of fashion with trendsetters, is poised to regain its former reign as the most popular type of gold. The past year has seen a resurgence in trend-forward yellow gold jewelry, and gorgeous pieces have been spotted on catwalks, celebrities and style hounds across the globe.

The Virtues of Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is the original gold and has been valued, sought-after and proudly worn since prehistoric times. Rulers and aristocracy of civilizations throughout history have used gold to craft jewelry. Gold was so valuable that it was eventually used for coinage and became a regularly traded commodity in return for other goods. Wearing yellow gold jewelry carries an certain significance; it’s rather like a nod to the history and value of a precious metal that has spanned the centuries. Though white and rose gold can be equally lovely, they just can’t match the popularity and rich history of yellow gold.

Even throughout the 20th century, yellow gold was the most gold of choice for style icons like Jackie Onassis, Talitha Getty and Jane Birkin. Since the fashion world is currently taking its cue from the 1960s and 1970s, it’s no wonder that yellow gold is making a huge comeback. From the style outlook for 2009, it is clear that the look is here to stay. And why not? Yellow gold looks beautiful on every skin tone and brings a warm glow to the wearer. Both history and trends have proven the longevity and lasting beauty of yellow gold jewelry.

Three Must-Have Styles of Yellow Gold Jewelry

There are three types of yellow gold jewelry that every woman should own: antique/history inspired pieces, classic pieces and a few contemporary pieces. Historically inspired pieces are fabulous because they make a statement and boldly finish off an outfit. The perfect example of a must-have historical piece is a pair of yellow gold Greek key hoop earrings.  They look great paired with chic maxi dresses in the spring and summer.

Every woman’s jewelry box should also contain at least a few classic yellow gold pieces. Classics can be worn year round for both everyday jewelry and special occasions. A great pair of gold hoops, long gold necklace, and gold mesh bracelet are the perfect picks.

Complete your collection of yellow gold must-haves with a few contemporary pieces that are uniquely you. Modern jewelry should be very versatile and worn often to create a signature look that reflects your personality. We love the satin-finished yellow gold ring set with one sparkling diamond in the middle.  It’s great for finishing off casual outfits, goes with everything, and can even be worn with dressier outfits – the perfect combination.