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Gold for first discusses the history, uses, and value of gold as well as the tips on how to buy and sell for profit.

Gold Coins

The Allure of Gold

Antique Gold

Buying Gold

Gold throughout history

The incomparable value of gold throughout time on this planet is gauged in several ways not just financially but emotionally. Yes most people only see the dollar value of gold when its name is mentioned however there is also the eye opening amazement of a prospector discovering a huge gold nugget, the new wife accepting the ring signifying her union to her husband. Even the cold use of gold in the construction of modern electronics has shown that value also exists in its pure versatility.

Since the beginning of time gold has been coveted by the many that have lay eyes on its beauty and hungered, no lusted for it. Gold's high regard has carried through in to modern times and is now used in many ways not previously considered. Apart from its traditional uses as currency and jewelry it is now used as the famous first place medal of the Olympics, a semi conductor in computer components and shielding for intricate technologies such as X-rays and a protective coating for astronauts visors.

One of the early uses for gold was as a base for coins. Gold coins in some cases were given a token value in others a weight value. The weight value in most cases proving to be the most sensible as small portions of gold was scraped off the original coin to be sold elsewhere.

From Mayan, Roman, and Egyptian times gold was used to produce works of art, religious symbols, and symbols of power. These antique works of gold can today bring incredible prices at auction and are highly prized by collectors. Gold leaf was often used to decorate pages ancient texts with intricate lettering enhanced by this precious metal.

Continents were conquered and plundered in the pursuit of the riches of gold. Nations in some cases were stripped of irreplaceable objects of antiquity by more powerful countries. Spain, Britain, France and Portugal all raided the Americas and Africa securing their lust for resources and in particular gold. Gold finds in North America, South America and Australia saw intense immigration from around the world as starry eyed prospectors joined in the search for instant riches. For many the hopes of life changing gold finds ended in sorrow and the unlucky in death. But for the lucky few large nuggets assured their financial futures and laid the ground work for dynasties.

Gold has been an almost universal currency and still is used as such today albeit as an alternate to paper currencies. Fort Knox in the United States of America has been the biggest repository for the gold of many countries and its extreme security helped to coin the phrase "as safe as Fort Knox" During the 1990's gold's commanding position as the underpinner of currencies was eroded as central banks sold of gold claiming it was no longer necessary with modern financial setups. The financial crash of 2008 belied this fact and saw a flight to the safe haven of gold as the worlds currencies came under extreme pressure.

Gold's beautiful luster and malleability have ensured that gold has remained the precious metal of choice for artisans and producers of fine jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and broaches are just a few of the items produced world wide in massive quantities to satisfy the ending demand for gold.

Gold as an investment is very much reliant on the stability or instability of lesser currencies. Paper money is little more than expensive toilet paper if it not supported, gold however by its very nature underpins its value. Famous pieces of gold however are priceless. In times of very high gold prices old pieces of gold cutlery and table ware have joined jewelry and other less prized objects in the melting pot as these pieces were sold for their scrap bullion value.