Precious materials used in jewelry - Today we're talking about gold -

🟡 Gold in antiquity: predominance of yellow gold

THE'yellow gold It was the most widespread and used form in ancient civilizations, such as those Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman.
This is because in nature gold is already found with its characteristic intense yellow color, and the metallurgical techniques of the time did not yet allow for obtaining the controlled alloys that we know today (such as white or rose gold).

Furthermore, the yellow color it was symbolically associated:

to sun, source of life and divine power;
at the wealth and eternity, for its unalterable brilliance;
to the candies, reserved for kings, pharaohs and priests.

For these reasons, yellow gold became the sacred metal par excellence, used to make jewelry, headdresses, funerary masks, coins and ritual objects.

🟠 The first color variations: red gold and gold with warm undertones

Although they did not yet have a scientific understanding of alloys, some ancient peoples noted that mixing gold with copper (which was easily found in nature) the metal took on more reddish or orange shades.

These “primitive” alloys were not created for conscious aesthetic reasons, but rather as side effect of the fusion of minerals containing multiple metals.
However, in some cultures — such as in Mesopotamia or in Asia Minor — gold with reddish reflections became appreciated precisely for its originality and visual warmth.

We can therefore say that thered or rose gold existed in natural or accidental form, but not as a planned artistic choice.

⚪ Absence of white gold in antiquity

THE'white gold, instead, is a modern creation, dating back to 20th century.
The ancients did not have metals like nickel, palladium or platinum nor the chemical knowledge necessary to create a stable and clear alloy.
So, no ancient civilization knew or used white gold as we know it today.

💡 In summary

Typology	Period of use	Origin	Characteristics
Yellow gold	Antiquity (Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc.)	Natural	Symbol of sun, wealth and divinity
Red/rose gold	Late Antiquity or Middle Ages (accidental)	Alloys with copper	Warm color, appreciated for its originality
White gold	Modern Age (20th century)	Alloy with palladium or nickel	Alternative to platinum, contemporary look

👉 In conclusion, in ancient times yellow gold was the only one that was truly widespread and symbolically recognized, while the “colored” variants appeared only later, thanks to the evolution of metallurgical techniques and to the aesthetic taste of the times.

⚒️ How gold is mined: from deposits to refining

THE'gold mining It is a complex and fascinating process, which combines modern technology and ancient methods.
Gold is found in nature in free form or combined with other minerals, and its extraction varies depending on the type of deposit.

1. ⛏️ Alluvial gold: the oldest method

In ancient times — and still today in some areas — gold was mined from rivers and alluvial deposits, where the currents carry tiny flakes of gold until they are deposited among the sand and gravel.
This method, called “sieving” or “panning”, is performed with a conical basin (called sieve or batea) which separates the heavier gold from the sediments.

➡️ This is how the ancient Egyptians, Romans and prospectors of the Far West found gold in waterways.
It is a simple method, but today it is used only in artisanal or amateur scale.

2. 🏔️ Modern mining

Most of today's gold comes from underground or open-pit gold mines.
Here the metal is present in gold-bearing rocks, from which it is separated through various steps:

Crushing and grinding: the rock is reduced to fine powder.
Cyanidation or flotation: a chemical process (now increasingly controlled and sustainable) that separates gold particles from the surrounding minerals.
Fusion: The resulting gold is melted to form raw ingots.
Refining: The gold is purified until it reaches the desired purity (up to 999.9/1000).

This system also allows you to recover minimal quantities of gold from huge volumes of rock - just think that, on average, it takes one ton of ore to obtain about 5 grams of gold!

3. 🌱 Sustainable mining and recycling

In recent years, the gold industry has focused on environmental sustainability.
The use of harmful chemicals such as cyanide is gradually being replaced by ecological techniques, as the importance of the growing gold recycling coming from jewelry, electronic devices and industrial waste.

This “urban gold” represents today over 25% of global production, reducing the ecological impact of extraction.

🌍 The richest and most gold-producing nations in the world

Gold is unequally distributed across the planet: some countries own huge gold deposits and mines that have been active for centuries.
Here is an updated overview of the main gold producing countries in the world.

🇨🇳 China

For years the China it is the world's largest gold producer, with over 350 tons per year.
The richest regions are Shandong, Henan and Yunnan, where modern and highly technological gold mines are located.
Chinese gold is also crucial to the electronics industry and the national reserve.

🇦🇺 Australia

THE'Australia It is one of the countries richest in gold deposits, especially in Western Australia, in the area of Kalgoorlie and in the desert of Pilbara.
Australian gold is of the highest quality and has been a pillar of the national economy since the 19th century, when the famous Australian gold rush.

🇷🇺 Russia

There Russia It is among the world's leading exporters of gold, thanks to its vast deposits in Siberia and the Urals.
The yellow metal is a strategic part of the country's financial reserves, which continues to expand its mining capacity.

🇺🇸 United States

In the United States, gold mining is concentrated mainly in Nevada, Alaska, and Colorado.
The state of Nevada, with its famous Carlin Trend, is one of the most productive areas in the world.
The American tradition of gold dates back to the California Gold Rush of 1848, symbol of expansion towards the West.

🇿🇦 South Africa

The South Africa It is historically one of the gold giants.
The mines of Witwatersrand, discovered at the end of the nineteenth century, have produced over a third of the world's gold for decades.
Today production has declined, but the country remains a gold powerhouse with enormous reserves still present underground.

🇨🇦 Canada

The Canada has a long mining tradition and owns active mines in Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut.
Canadian gold is known for its purity and technologically advanced and sustainable mining approach.

🇧🇷 Other major producers

Other countries with significant gold deposits include:

Brazil, with Amazonian mines;
Ghana, Africa's main producer after South Africa;
Peru and Mexico, with a growing role in South America.

Below you will find the updated and realistic table, with available carats, main characteristics and average price per gram (data updated at the end of October 2025, based on the average value of gold and the percentage of pure gold contained in the alloy).

💰 Price and characteristics of the main types of gold (October 2025)

Typology	Available carats	Percentage of pure gold	Average price €/g*	Key Notes
Yellow gold	24K – 18K – 14K	99,9% (24K), 75% (18K)	24K ≈ €111,5/g 18K ≈ €83,6/g	It's the only one also available in pure form. Warm, classic, and long-lasting color.
Rose gold / red	18K – 14K	75% (18K), 58,5% (14K)	18K ≈ €80–83/g	Alloy with copper (the redder the more copper). Harder and more resistant.
White gold	18K – 14K	75% (18K), 58,5% (14K)	18K ≈ €81–84/g	Gold + palladium/nickel. Silvery, elegant, and modern look. Requires rhodium plating.
Green gold	18K – 14K	75% (18K), 58,5% (14K)	18K ≈ €82/g	Gold + silver. Light yellow-green color, soft and rare.
Blue gold	max 18K (often 14K)	58–75%	18K ≈ €78–81/g	Gold + iron or cobalt. Steel blue color, fragile, for artistic designs only.
Black gold	only 18K (treated)	75%	18K ≈ €83/g	White or yellow gold treated with rhodium/ruthenium. Elegant, but not "natural."
Gray gold	18K – 14K	75% (18K)	18K ≈ €82–84/g	Gold + palladium or iron. A subtle metallic appearance, stable in color.
Purple gold / purple	18K or less	58–75%	≈ €77–80/g	Gold + aluminum. Unique purple color but very fragile.
Two-tone/three-tone gold	18K	75%	≈ €83/g	Combination of alloys (yellow, white, rose). Average price of 18K gold.

*Prices are esteemed on the value of gold in October 2025 (based on €111.5/g for pure 24K gold) and vary slightly depending on the alloy composition and the market.

📈 Gold price trends: when it goes up and when it goes down

THE'gold has always been considered a safe haven, or an investment that tends to maintain or increase its value during times of economic uncertainty or political instability. Unlike traditional currencies, which can be influenced by inflation or monetary policies, gold represents a real and universal value, recognized throughout the world.

💰 When the price of gold rises

The value of gold generally increases when:

Geopolitical instability is increasing – wars, international tensions, energy crises, or economic sanctions push investors toward safer assets, such as gold.
🔹 Example: During global crises or international conflicts, demand for physical and financial gold (ETFs, bullion) tends to soar.
Inflation rises or confidence in currencies declines – when the purchasing power of money decreases, investors seek protection in gold, which holds its value better over time.
Interest rates are decreasing – when central banks lower rates, fixed-income investments (such as bonds and government bonds) become less attractive, and gold gains appeal as a store of value.
Demand in emerging markets is increasing – countries like China and India, large consumers of gold due to cultural and marital tradition, significantly influence global prices when their demand increases.

📉 When the price of gold falls

Conversely, the value of gold tends to fall when:

The global economy is stable, and investors prefer to focus on higher-yielding assets, such as stocks or bonds.
Interest rates are rising, making financial investments more advantageous than those in precious metals, which do not generate returns.
The US dollar strengthens – Since gold is priced in dollars, a stronger US dollar makes gold more expensive for buyers in other currencies, reducing international demand.
Central banks sell part of their gold reserves, releasing gold onto the market and causing its price to fall.

⚖️ Gold as an indicator of global confidence

In short, gold is closely tied to the level of investor confidence in the global economic system.
When stability reigns, the precious metal loses its appeal; but in times of crisis, inflation, or political uncertainty, it returns to being the safe haven par excellence.

It is no coincidence that historically, gold price peaks coincide with periods of severe financial turbulence or stock market crashes, confirming its role as a timeless safe haven.

Here is the Chart showing the historical trend of the gold price from 2000 to 2025, with the main events that influenced its oscillations.
As can be observed, the peaks correspond to periods of global crisis or instability, confirming the role of gold as safe haven par excellence.

📊 Chart Interpretation: Gold as a Barometer of the Global Economy

The graph clearly shows how the gold price follows a trend closely linked to the global economic and geopolitical balances.

2008 – Global financial crisis: The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the market crash led to a surge in the price of gold, which rose from around €15/g to over €25/g, as investors sought safety in tangible assets.
2011 – European debt crisis: Eurozone instability further pushed gold to new records, with values close to €45/g.
2015 – Economic recovery: with the strengthening of the dollar and the stability of the markets, the price temporarily dropped, settling around €30/g.
2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic: global health and economic uncertainty caused gold to rise again above €50/g, confirming its role as safe haven in times of global crisis.
2022 – Russia-Ukraine conflict: Geopolitical tensions and the rush to inflation caused it to reach a new peak above €60/g.
2025 – Current context: with persistent inflationary pressures and international geopolitical uncertainty, the value of gold has reached record levels, surpassing €110/g for 24K gold.

In summary, the price movement of gold reflects the global level of confidence in the economy:
🔹 in moments of crisis, fear and instability, gold increases in value;
🔹 in periods of growth and confidence, tends instead to stabilize or decrease.

This behavior makes him one of the more reliable indicators of the state of the world economy and an ever-present choice for those who want protect your capital in the long term.

Why “non-standard” gold (green, black, blue, gray) has never become as widespread as yellow gold

Although today there are numerous variants of gold obtained through alloys or surface treatments - such asgreen gold, theblack gold, theblue gold or thegray gold — none of these ever reached the popularity and prestige of thetraditional yellow goldThe reasons are many and concern technical, aesthetic and cultural factors.

⚙️ 1. Fragility and difficulty in processing

Many of these variants derive from experimental alloys in which gold is combined with less noble metals such as iron, cobalt or aluminium.
This process, while creating fascinating and modern shades, makes the material more fragile and difficult to work with.
THE'blue gold and thepurple gold, for example, have a very rigid crystalline structure which can easily fracture during stone processing or setting.
For this reason, they are used more often for art or design jewelry, but rarely for large-scale commercial productions.

🎨 2. Color stability over time

Unlike yellow gold — whose color is natural and stable — “alternative” shades are often obtained through surface treatments (such as oxidations, rhodium plating or ruthenium coatings).
These finishes, as spectacular as they are, tend to fade or get scratched with use, compromising the brilliance of the jewel.
THE'black gold, for example, owes its shade to a layer of ruthenium or to a galvanic treatment that it's not eternal and may require periodic maintenance.

💰 3. Perceived value and cultural tradition

THE'yellow gold It has been a symbol of for millennia wealth, light and divinity.
Its warm color is the one that most recalls the idea of “pure gold,” deeply rooted in the collective imagination and traditions of all civilizations, from ancient Egypt to modern Europe.
The “alternative” versions of gold, although aesthetically suggestive, they do not evoke the same symbolic immediacy, making them less appreciated as a safe haven or investment.

🧭 4. Commercial availability and market demand

Since the production of colored gold is more complex and expensive, the question has always been limited to custom jewelry or art collections.
The goldsmith industry and the big fashion houses tend to focus on more versatile and recognized shades — yellow, white and pink —which best suit any stone and aesthetic taste.

💡 In summary:
Green, black, blue or grey gold represent niche variants, sought after by collectors or contemporary design enthusiasts, but they do not replace the universal appeal of yellow gold, which continues to be synonymous with luxury, purity and tradition.

🐀𸐠Technical explanation

24K Gold (Pure): It contains 99.9% gold and is not alloyed with other metals. It only exists in color. intense yellow.
18K Gold: 75% gold + 25% other metals → standard for high quality jewelry.
14K and 9K Gold: cheaper and more resistant, but less precious.
The variants white, pink, green, blue, black, gray They cannot be 24K, since the color comes from the presence of other metals in the alloy.

Given the material's great potential as a safe haven, below is a list of the 10 countries with the largest gold reserves:

Here are the 10 countries with the largest official gold reserves in the world (recent data, expressed in metric tons):

Position	Village	Gold reserves approx. (tons)
1	United States of America	~ 8 133,5 t Brand Vision+2The Indian Express+2
2	Germany	~ 3 351,5 t Brand Vision+1
3	Italy	~ 2 451,8 t Brand Vision+1
4	France	~ 2 436,9 t Brand Vision
5	Russia	~ 2 335,9 t Brand Vision+1
6	China	~ 2 279,6 t Brand Vision+1
7	Swiss	~ 1 040,0 t Brand Vision+1
8	India	~ 880 t Brand Vision
9	Japan	~ 846 t Brand Vision
10	Turkey	~ 635 t Musaffa Academy+1

Gold-loving VIPs and celebrities: the eternal allure of luxury

In the world of entertainment, art and sport, thegold It is not only a symbol of wealth, but a declaration of style, power and identity.
Many famous people, from international stars to music and fashion icons, have made gold a real asset. personal signature, wearing it on every occasion or collecting it in unique and precious shapes.

💍 Gold as a status symbol among VIPs

Gold, with its unmistakable shine, has always been associated with success, exclusivity and prestige.
In the music world, artists like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna And Drake They are known for their spectacular solid gold jewelry, diamond-studded watches and personalized necklaces, often custom-made by the world's finest goldsmiths.
Even in the world of sport, champions like Floyd Mayweather or Cristiano Ronaldo they showed a predilection for gold, owning collections of gold-plated watches, accessories, and even cars.

👑 Gold as an expression of identity and culture

In some cases, the love of gold is also a form of cultural or spiritual expression.
Many actors and influencers choose yellow gold or rose gold to evoke warmth and tradition, while others prefer thewhite gold or platinum for a more discreet and modern elegance.
Gold, in short, is not just a precious material: it is a universal aesthetic language, capable of telling who we are and how we want to be perceived.

🏆 Collecting and investing

In addition to its aesthetic value, many VIPs also see gold as a safe means of investment.
Many of them diversify their assets by purchasing bullion, gold coins or collectible jewelry, often made in limited editions or by high jewellery houses such as Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co. and Chopard.

For these personalities, gold is more than an ornament: it's a durable good, a legacy to pass on and a way to preserve value over time, regardless of trends or market fluctuations.

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💫 Curiosity Box: Gold and Celebrities – 3 Surprising Facts You (Probably) Didn't Know

💎 1. Elvis Presley's Golden Microphone

The “King of Rock” Elvis Presley owned a microphone fully plated in 24-karat gold, created specifically for his performances in Las Vegas. Today it is kept in a museum and is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

🏎️ 2. Floyd Mayweather's golden car

The boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, known for his lavish lifestyle, had a gold-plated Rolls-Royce Phantom and owns a private jet with gold details in the interior. A true ode to excess and uncompromising luxury.

👑 3. Beyoncé and the “ethical” rose gold jewelry

The superstar Beyoncé he declared that he preferred therose gold not only for its warm and romantic tone, but also because many of its jewels are made with ethical and traceable gold, coming from mines that respect environmental and social standards.

✨ Conclusion: gold, between symbol and desire

From ancient civilizations to contemporary red carpets, gold continues to represent the perfect balance between beauty, power and security.
Whether it's a family jewel, an investment, or a symbol of success, Gold remains the metal that more than any other tells the story - and dreams - of humanity.

✨ Care, cleaning and polishing of gold and precious stones

There gold and gem care it is a gesture of attention that allows you to maintain the brilliance and value of your jewelry. Although gold is a noble metal and does not oxidize easily, daily contact with air, skin or cosmetics can make it dull or less bright. For this reason it is important to adopt small maintenance tips that preserve their original shine.

💧 Gold cleaning

For a gentle and safe cleaning, simply:

Dip the jewelry in warm water with a few drops of neutral soap (or mild dish soap).
Leave them to soak for 10–15 minutes.
Rub with a soft-bristled toothbrush (like the one for newborns), reaching even the most hidden areas.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft microfiber cloth.

It is important to avoid aggressive chemicals, alcohol, acetone or abrasive toothpastes, which could scratch the surface or damage any stones.

🌟 Gold polishing

To restore the original shine, you can proceed to manual polishing:

Use a specific cloth for gold or jewelry (easily found in jewelry stores or online).
Run light circular movements, without applying too much pressure.
If gold is white, it is normal that over time it loses its shine: in this case, a new professional rhodium plating, a treatment that reapplies a very thin layer of rhodium to make it shiny and “new” again.

For particularly valuable jewels or with delicate settings, it is always advisable to contact a professional goldsmith workshop, which uses specific pastes and polishing machines.

💎 Cleaning of precious stones

The precious stones (diamonds, zirconia, quartz, rubies, emeralds, etc.) require personalized care:

Diamonds and zirconia They can be cleaned with soap and water, as they are very hard.
Emeralds, opals and pearls They are more delicate: they should only be dabbed with a damp cloth, avoiding prolonged immersion.
After cleaning, always dry the stones with a cotton or microfiber cloth.

🛡️ Conservation

After cleaning or polishing, store your jewelry:

In individual cases covered in velvet or soft fabric, to avoid scratches;
Away from sources of heat, humidity and direct light;
Do not come into contact with perfumes, creams or solvents.

💡 In summary:
There regular polishing and cleaning not only do they keep the aesthetic appearance of the gold unchanged, but prolong the life of jewelry and enhance every reflection. A small gesture of care that makes the authentic beauty of precious and timeless materials shine over time.

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🧽 How to Polish Gold at Home – A Practical Guide

Cleaning and polishing your gold jewelry doesn't require complex tools: all you need are a few readily available ingredients and a little care.

✅ Effective methods for polishing gold

Warm water and neutral soap
- Ideal for yellow and rose gold.
- Soak the jewelry for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Baking soda and water
- Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water until you get a paste.
- Apply with a soft cloth and polish with circular motions.
- Rinse well and dry with a microfiber cloth.
  ⚠️ Do not use on rhodium-plated white gold or porous stones (such as emeralds and opals).
Light beer or sparkling water
- Excellent natural remedy to revive the shine of gold.
- Soak the jewel for about 10 minutes, then dry with a cotton cloth.
Specific cloth for gold
- The safest method for everyday use.
- These cloths are impregnated with gentle polishing substances and remove dullness without scratching.

⚠️ Mistakes to absolutely avoid

🚫 Do not use toothpaste or abrasive powders: they scratch the surface of the gold.
🚫 Avoid alcohol, ammonia, or acetone: they can damage alloys and stones.
🚫 Do not boil your jewelry or use hair dryers or heat sources.
🚫 Do not mix multiple pieces of jewelry in the same cleaning process: they could scratch each other.

💡 Goldsmith's Council

For a professional and long-lasting result, carry out a professional polish every 12–18 months, especially for jewelry in white gold or with precious stones setIn the laboratory, they are used polishing pastes and specific machinery which remove micro-scratches and restore the original shine, without the risk of damage.