Whether you are interested in buying or selling gold, there is no denying the fact that after millennia, it is still one of the most cherished and sought after natural elements.
We all know gold is beautiful and incredibly precious, even when owned by a mere mortal that has purchased something from a catalogue or a boutique. However nothing prepares you for the intense and wild beauty of Royal Gold.
From the jewels made for Chinese emperors before the birth of Christ, right through to Camilla Parker-Bowles and her Clogau Gold crafted wedding ring, gold has been the ultimate symbol of beauty, power, prestige and godliness since the dawn of time. Even the book of Genesis mentions gold as a symbol of a rich and prosperous man.
· The gold rings from Kouklia: Kouklia is a beautiful but small village in Cyprus. The village was built right on top of Palaeopaphos. Palaeopathos was a very rich and famous city, known throughout the ancient world. In 1952, eight tombs were excavated in Kouklia and the findings were immense. Archaeologists discovered six gold rings crafted in such exquisite detail that it changed perceptions of jewellery design in thirteen hundred BC (where the rings were said be from.) The rings are the earliest findings of jewellery that is said to have used a technique known as cloisonné enamelling. Beautifully engraved with a delightful beading style around the border of the rings and with the enamelling in the centre, these really do have to be seen to be believed.
· Clogau Gold - This gold designer has serviced the Royal family since 1923 when Lady Elisabeth Bowes-Lyon married the then Duke of York (who would later become King upon the abdication of his brother Edward.) The Royal family wear wedding rings which are said to be sourced from a single nugget of Clogau Gold. Not a bad way to get into the history books. Clogau Gold is famously distinctive, recognisable by the tiny Welsh dragon carved on it.
· The crown jewels of France: The monarchy may have ended horribly, but they had some of the most stunning jewels in royal history. The Chalice of Saint Remi is a gold cup studded with precious jewels and is kept at the Palace of Tau in Reims. It is said to be incredibly valuable. Makes you wonder what the cash for gold price would be!
· The Great Imperial Crown of Russia: Again, not a monarchy that had the best of endings but the jewels have lived on. The Great Imperial Crown was created for the coronation of Catherine the Great in 1762. As well as being skilfully etched out of perfect gold, it is also studded with 4936 diamonds and a large number of pearls.
