Welcome to part 3 of a brief history of gold. For parts 1 click here; for part 2 click here.
Historically, gold may have been maintained by the well-to-do, but that has never stopped the rest of the world from trying to acquire it.
Early gold craftsmanship was crude and rough. Ancient techniques consisted of simple chasing and repousse work as done by the Indians and Egyptians. Jewelry craftsmanship became more complex in the Roman era as artisans began to experiment with more techniques that further elevated gold as a status symbol. Filigree, soldering, piercing, granulation and casting began to add further complexity to a precious metal that had no equal.
The jewelry worn during the successive ages, including the Medieval and Renaissance periods, reflected an intense hierarchical and status-conscious society. Royalty and nobility were among the only members of society who could be found with gold, silver or precious gems. Gold made up the fine estate jewelry of the times including vintage engagement rings and other types of antique jewelry. Lower ranks of society adorned themselves with cheaper materials including beads, shells, or easier to find base metals like pewter and copper.
Pure gold was difficult to find and secure, especially for the lower classes of society who wished to adorn themselves like lords and magistrates. Families who did not belong to the wealthy merchant class oftentimes did not have jewelry that was passed on from generation to generation, as we see multigenerational lineages doing now. However, gold rushes in the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries allowed individuals, irrespective of status, an opportunity to enrich their lives. If one got to the site early enough, before competitors got a chance to deplete the region, an individual could sift for gold with low startup capital. The discovery of gold in Australia (1851), California (1848), and South Africa (1886) spurred worldwide travel, industry booms, and large investments of capital. Sometimes prospectors got rich, other times they failed to turn a profit. One geological theory (see part 2) states that all the gold on the earth came from space, making it difficult to spot and secure. One thing is for certain, we will keep looking.
Antique Jewelry 