The Story behind the Invention and Design of Gold

Author: tinareeves | Posted: 10.01.2012

"Gold! gold! gold! gold! Bright and yellow, hard and cold!" The story of gold is as rich and complex as the metal itself. Did you know when it was discovered? It was found by a child in a creek thousands of years ago and that's how we, the human race were introduced to the metal. It was probably the first metal that was known to humans. According to a scientific conclusion, gold was formed because of a nuclear fusion in the stars and it has always been present as a mineral in the rocks. Due to its malleable and flexible nature, gold was appreciated by human race. Who ever found gold became impressed with it and it was an enjoyable experience to work with the metal.

Many of us think that the development of iron and copper are the biggest landmarks in the history of developments, but it is not true actually. It was gold that came first. Did you know that gold is one of the easiest workable metals because other metals have to undergo a series of treatments before being used whereas gold is already available in the workable state? Many cultures relate gold to immortality and God. During ancient times gold was made into shrines and idols, plates, cups, vases and vessels of all kinds, and of course, jewelry to adorn the necks of women. In 700 B.C. the Lydian merchants first made gold coins thereby introducing gold in the form of money to the world. Why do we use gold in the form of jewelry? Earlier people viewed this metal as an investment so they made jewelry out of the metal and carried it on their body in the form of jewels. Gold was money in ancient Greece and they started mining the metal in 550 B.C. The Romans had a quest for the metal as well. They started to mine for the metal all over Rome. According to Greeks, gold was a combination of sunlight and water. It was only during the Greek and Roman Empire that gold started being distributed in exchange of commodities to the western world. Finally money was invented in the form of gold.

In today's world, gold rules the Internet. It is the key factor in backing our economy. It will pave the way for future revolutions in science. It would be futile if we don't mention that gold speaks the language of love across all over the world. So how do we make this gold jewelry? No matter what carat the gold is, it all goes to the furnace to get heated first. Usually white gold is not mixed with yellow or red gold in order to avoid cracking down of the ingot. The gold is first heated and flux powder is added along with it to remove the impurities. The impurities will be collected in the flux and the melted gold is ready to be poured. In this state it looks very shiny. It is then poured into an ingot mould coated with oil and care is taken that the metal does not cool. It is then rolled several times through a rolling machine and then softened. It is then twisted and turned into the desired shape. At this stage the jewel will not have its original color. This can be achieved by quenching it in sulphuric acid. Once the jewel has got the desired shape, it is given a rouge polish that creates that professional look.

When compared to all precious metals gold is considered the most popular investment. But such a popular metal needs safe guarding as well. I have seen every gold jewelry shop taking extreme measures of protecting their jewels by getting help from security providers such as ADT Alarm Systems. In today's world "The desire for gold is the most universal and deeply rooted commercial instinct of the human race." As quoted by Gerald M. Loeb.

About Author:
Tina is a freelance writer and has a passion for metals, especially gold. In her free time she researchs about precious metals and holds a though about their safety from security providers such as ADT Alarm Systems to avoid unwanted mishaps.

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