Gold as Matter

Since the dawn of civilization, gold has been the most desired of all metals. It was nevertheless not adapted to the crafting of tips of arrows, or cooking utensils. A very soft and supple metal, gold is very easy to work with. In reason of its color and its shine, and maybe of its long life and rarity, gold has always been a symbol of holiness. As much in religions based on fertility (such as sun or mother earth religions), as well as monotheistic religions (one must keep in mind the middle age paintings were saints emerge through a cloud of smoke), gold holds a special place and is used in specific ways. Gold is a very soft and supple metal, used in its initial form and density in very few occasions. As it becomes harder with the adding of other metals, during the manufacture of harder alloys of gold, other noble alloys are added, such as parts of silver, copper, zinc, palladium, and other elements. It is then said that the alloy “hardens” therefore gold can, as a wire or a plaque, be processed in order to be shaped and easier to work with. When buying a golden piece, one must make sure of its nature by checking thoroughly its imprint. According to it one can know the percent of pure gold in every jewelry. The jeweler uses a scale in order to mix pure gold with quantities of added metal according to law restrictions, in order to create each time the desired metal. The quantities of pure gold can be estimated in carats or mm. For example, a jewel of 18 carats will be marked 750, since it contains 750 parts of gold and 250 parts of added metals. The high content of gold protects the jewel from any oxidation (which could happen in case of lower content), and do not permit any kind of skin allergy. The beauty of your golden jewelry will remain intangible in time. In Greece, due to tradition and culture, many jewels are made of 750 mm of gold (18 carats). In most middle eastern countries, jewelry has a higher content of gold such as 916 mm (22 carats) or 999 mm. In other countries such as US, Germany, or the UK, jewels can be found with an indication lower than 750 mm. Buying gold jewelry is a serious case. It is best not to buy from random sellers. Trust your jeweler. He will guide you not only through the style and design of the piece that interests you, but will also explain the content of gold in the piece you are buying. He will assist you in choosing, taking care of, and cleaning your jewelry and will be at your disposition when some repairs or modifications might be needed. He is a man of trust which will keep you informed about any thing that has to do with to the very valuable good that is gold. {gallery}material_gold{/gallery}