The exact origin of the discovery and use of gold is still being determined, as it occurred in prehistoric times. However, it is believed that the first civilization to discover and use gold was the ancient Egyptians around 3,000 BC.
The Egyptians considered gold to be the skin of the gods and believed it had magical properties. As a result, they used gold extensively in their religious ceremonies and also for jewelry, decorative objects, and as a symbol of wealth and power. Gold was also used by the ancient Mesopotamians, Greeks, and Romans, who used it for coins, jewelry, and ornamental objects.
Romans used gold to mint coins and finance their wars. In the Middle Ages, gold was the preferred metal for jewelry and other decorative objects, and it was often used in religious art. However, the use of gold as a financial tool became widespread in the 16th century. During this time, gold began to be used as a standard of value and a medium of exchange. European explorers discovered vast amounts of gold in the New World, which led to an influx of gold into Europe and the development of international trade.
Gold became popular in the West during the 16th century, following the discovery of vast amounts of gold in the New World by European explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés. The influx of gold from the Americas into Europe led to the development of international trade and commerce, and gold became an important commodity for European nations.
The use of gold as a financial tool and a standard of value also became widespread during this time, as nations began to mint gold coins and use them for trade and exchange. The popularity of gold as a precious metal for jewelry and decorative objects continued to grow in the West, and it remains a highly valued material today.
In the early 19th century, gold became the basis for most national currencies. The gold standard meant that the value of a country's currency was fixed to a specific amount of gold. This standard allowed for a stable exchange rate between countries and was instrumental in promoting international trade and commerce.
Today, gold is still valued as a financial tool, and it remains an important part of many investment portfolios. However, gold's appeal is wider than its financial value. People have long been drawn to gold for its beauty and rarity. The color of gold is unique, and its luster and shine make it a popular choice for jewelry. In addition, gold is one of the few metals that does not corrode or tarnish over time, making it an ideal material for jewelry meant to last for generations.
In conclusion, gold has a rich and complex history that spans many cultures and civilizations. From its use in ancient religious ceremonies to its modern-day status as a valuable financial tool, gold has remained a constant symbol of wealth and prosperity. Furthermore, its beauty and rarity have made it a beloved choice for jewelry for centuries.
It is difficult to determine an exact figure for how much money people around the world spend buying gold jewelry, as it varies greatly depending on factors such as global economic conditions, gold prices, and cultural customs. However, according to a report by the World Gold Council, global demand for gold jewelry reached 1,411.6 tons in 2020, with a value of USD 79.5 billion. India and China are the two largest markets for gold jewelry, accounting for over 50% of global demand. Other countries with significant demand for gold jewelry include the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. Despite fluctuating demand, gold remains a popular choice for jewelry due to its rarity, durability, and beauty.
Photo by Michael Steinberg
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