Gold: A precious metal at the heart of human history
Gold, discovered more than 5,000 years ago, has always been more than just a metal. It is deeply anchored in the history of humanity, marking entire eras and civilizations with its rarity, its brilliance and its malleability. Here's a look at the major periods and the meaning of gold over time:
1. Prehistoric origins: the first gold ornaments
The use of gold dates back to the Neolithic period (around 4,000 BC), when the first sedentary civilizations began to exploit this shiny metal. The first ornaments discovered, notably in Bulgaria in the Varna necropolis, reveal that gold was already used to signify high social status. It was appreciated not only for its beauty, but also for its rarity, which made it a symbol of power.
2. Antiquity: gold as a symbol of royalty and divinity
During Antiquity, gold took on an even more sacred dimension.
• Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians considered gold to be the flesh of the gods, particularly the sun god Ra. Gold decorated the tombs of the pharaohs, like the famous funerary mask of Tutankhamun, and symbolized eternity. Gold working techniques were perfected during this period, allowing the creation of complex jewelry and ritual objects.
• Mesopotamia and Persia: Gold was a symbol of wealth and authority. Mesopotamian kings and Persian emperors used it to adorn their palaces and treasures, often to demonstrate their supremacy.
• Greece and Rome: Among the Greeks and Romans, gold was associated with luxury and military glory. Gold crowns symbolized victory, while gold coins served as tangible proof of economic and political power.
3. The Middle Ages: gold and the church
During the Middle Ages, gold became a spiritual and religious symbol.
• The Christian Church: Gold was used in the creation of chalices, crosses, and other liturgical objects, symbolizing divine purity and the light of God.
• Medieval kingdoms: Monarchs' golden crowns represented their divine right to rule. Gold was also accumulated as treasure and used to seal alliances between kingdoms.
4. The great discoveries and the colonial era: the quest for gold
With the era of great exploration (15th-17th centuries), gold took on a new meaning: that of global wealth.
• The Rush for America: Spanish conquistadors plundered the treasures of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, bringing huge quantities of gold back to Europe.
• Gold as universal currency: Gold coins become an economic standard, consolidating its role as a universal store of value.
5. Gold in the modern world: between investment and heritage
Today, gold is seen as a symbol of luxury, a financial refuge and a cultural heritage.
• Contemporary jewelry: Gold continues to be the cornerstone of precious jewelry, particularly in its form of 18-karat gold, which combines brilliance and durability.
• Economic value: Gold is a safe investment in times of economic uncertainty, representing a timeless safe haven.
• Recyclability and ethics: With environmental concerns, gold is now recognized for its ability to be recycled indefinitely, meeting modern demands for sustainability.
The evolution of gold extraction: from ancestral techniques to modern methods
The first extraction techniques: ancestral know-how
Gold mining dates back thousands of years, and the earliest methods were simple, but laborious.
• Crushing and washing: In early civilizations, particularly in Egypt and Mesopotamia, gold was extracted manually from river alluvium. Miners used crude tools to crush gold-bearing rocks, then washed the ore in streams. This process made it possible to separate the heavier gold particles from the sand and gravel.
• Heating the ore: Once the gold was collected, it was often heated to separate it from remaining impurities. This technique, although primitive, allowed civilizations like the Egyptians to produce remarkably sophisticated pure gold objects.
These methods, although environmentally friendly due to their low impact, were limited in terms of yield, allowing only a tiny part of the gold present in the ore to be extracted.
The industrial era: a revolution in gold mining
With the advent of the industrial revolution in the 19th century, new technologies radically transformed gold mining. These advances were driven by increased demand for gold, fueled by gold rushes in California, Australia and South Africa.
• Amalgam method: Gold extracted from the ores was mixed with mercury, forming an amalgam. The latter was then heated to vaporize the mercury, leaving pure gold. Although very effective, this method had disastrous consequences on the environment and human health due to toxic mercury vapors.
• Cyanide process (1887): Developed by John MacArthur, this chemical process consists of dissolving gold in a cyanide solution, which makes it possible to extract up to 90% of the gold contained in the ore. Still widely used today, it is effective for ores with low gold content, but poses serious environmental problems, particularly due to the risk of contamination of soils and waterways.
Modern extraction: between technology and sustainability
Today, gold mining relies on advanced techniques that seek to maximize efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
• Surface and underground mining: These methods involve digging huge pits or tunnels to extract the gold ore, which is then chemically treated to extract the gold.
• Bioleaching: A greener alternative to cyanide, this process uses bacteria to dissolve the gold in the ore. Although promising, this method is still not widespread.
• Gold recycling: With around 200,000 tonnes of gold already mined since the beginning of human history, much of it is still in circulation. Recycling gold, particularly from old jewelry or electronic components, is a growing and sustainable trend.
Ethical and environmental issues
Despite technological advances, gold mining remains an industry with significant impacts:
• Deforestation and loss of biodiversity: Mining destroys local ecosystems, particularly in tropical areas.
• Soil and water pollution: Chemical processes, such as cyanide, often contaminate groundwater and rivers.
• Precarious working conditions: In some regions, artisanal gold mining takes place in dangerous conditions, often without respect for human rights.
This is why more and more brands, like Lauredi, are committed to using gold that is recycled or comes from ethical sources, RJC certified.
A precious material, a sustainable future
The history of gold mining is marked by major developments, ranging from manual processes to complex technologies. Today, while demand for gold remains strong, the future of this precious metal requires sustainable and responsible practices, ensuring that its timeless beauty does not cause irreversible damage to our planet.
18 carat gold: an ideal choice for jewelry
In jewelry, pure gold (24 carats) is often alloyed with other metals to improve its resistance. 18k gold, containing 75% pure gold, offers a perfect balance of purity, durability and luster, making it a preferred choice for fine jewelry.
Gold: an infinitely recyclable metal
One of the remarkable aspects of gold is its ability to be recycled without loss of quality. Approximately 88% of the gold mined from the earth was mined beginning in 1848, and much of this gold is still in circulation today, a testament to its durability and continuing value.
What does the amount of gold mean in jewelry?
Gold is rarely used in its pure form (24 carats) for the manufacture of jewelry, it is then too soft and deforms too easily to make durable jewelry. To ensure strength and durability, it is combined with other metals to form alloys. The amount of pure gold contained in a piece of jewelry is measured in carats, a determining criterion for its quality, appearance and value.
Understanding carats: the measure of purity
Caratage designates the proportion of pure gold in an alloy, expressed in parts out of 24. The higher the caratage, the purer and more precious the gold. Here are the main categories used in jewelry:
• 24 carat (100% pure gold):
This gold, known for its rich, vibrant color, is too malleable to be used in jewelry intended for everyday use. However, it is widely favored in certain regions, notably India and the Middle East, where 24-karat gold is a symbol of wealth and purity. 24-karat gold jewelry is often worn in ceremonies or kept as an investment.
• 18 karat (75% pure gold):
18 carat gold is the reference standard in high-end jewelry, particularly in Europe and America. With 75% pure gold mixed with silver and copper (for the remaining 25%), it offers an ideal balance between purity and resistance. Its vibrant hue and durability make it a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands and other precious jewelry.
• 14 karat (58.3% pure gold):
This alloy is less precious and less shiny than 18-karat gold, but it is more resistant to wear. 14k gold is often used for accessible jewelry and designs requiring added strength, such as bracelets.
• 9 carats (37.5% pure gold):
9 carat gold contains a small proportion of pure gold, making it less valuable and more prone to oxidation. Although popular in some markets, notably the UK, it is considered a budget option rather than a luxury choice. It is often the alloy of choice for private or expensive jewelry sales sites. With 37.5% gold, 9 carat jewelry often does not offer the same level of quality as 18 carat jewelry
Metals in gold alloys: their role and impact
To transform pure gold into an alloy usable in jewelry, metals such as copper, silver, palladium or nickel are added. These metals influence not only the strength of the alloy, but also its color and appearance:
• Copper:
It reinforces the solidity of the gold and gives a warmer, even reddish tint. Rose gold, for example, is obtained by increasing the proportion of copper in the alloy. It is a popular choice for its softness and romantic appearance.
• Money:
Added to gold, silver gives it a lighter and more luminous shade. When used in large quantities with a small part of copper, it produces the classic yellow gold. Silver also helps improve the malleability of the alloy.
• Palladium and platinum:
These metals are used to create white gold. In addition to giving a silvery tint, they significantly increase the strength of the alloy. Additional rhodium plating is often applied to enhance the shine of white gold.
• Nickel:
Although less used today due to frequent allergies, nickel has long been a component of white gold. It contributes to its durability and its pale color.
Diagram of the impact of the alloy on the color of gold
Geographic variations and cultural preferences
Preferences for gold karats and colors vary widely around the world:
• In India, 24-karat gold is a symbolic and traditional choice, often worn as a display of status and opulence at weddings and festivals.
• In Europe, 18-karat gold is widely favored for luxury jewelry, reflecting a taste for elegance and quality.
• In North America, 14k gold is common for everyday jewelry, providing an economical and sturdy solution.
• In the Middle East, rich yellow gold (22 or 24) is highly prized for its purity and cultural value.
The impact of the quantity of gold in a ring
The amount of gold in a ring affects both its appearance and its longevity. A high-quality piece of jewelry, like an 18-karat gold ring, guarantees an optimal balance between shine, strength and durability. Gold alloys, carefully formulated with complementary metals, allow the creation of varied designs, while meeting cultural and aesthetic preferences.
Choosing a well-designed gold ring, with an appropriate proportion of pure gold and alloy, is a safe investment, both for its timeless shine and for its ability to last through generations.
Gold guarantee hallmarks: in France and abroad
In jewelry, hallmarks are marks affixed to jewelry to indicate their titration (purity of the gold) and guarantee their authenticity. Here is a summary of the hallmarks used in France and in certain other countries for the different gold gradings:
Guarantee hallmarks in France:
In France, gold jewelry is subject to strict standards and must be hallmarked to attest to its purity. Here are the official hallmarks associated with the main titrations:
• 24 carat gold (999 thousandths):
• Hallmark: A “seahorse”.
• Use: Rare in jewelry, mainly for bars and bullion coins.
• 22 carat gold (916 thousandths):
• Hallmark: A “crown”.
• Use: Uncommon in France, but used for high purity jewelry, often imported.
• 18 carat gold (750 thousandths):
• Hallmark: An “eagle’s head”.
• Use: Standard of high-end French jewelry, appreciated for its balance between brilliance and robustness.
• 14 carat gold (585 thousandths):
• Hallmark: A “scallop shell”.
• Use: Used for more accessible jewelry or imported pieces.
• 9 carat gold (375 thousandths):
• Hallmark: A “clover”.
• Use: Widespread in economic jewelry, although less popular in France.
French punches
Guarantee marks abroad:
Hallmarks vary from country to country, but most nations place a mark to indicate the purity of the gold. Here are the standards in some key markets:
• Switzerland:
• 18 carat gold: A “squirrel”.
• 14 carat gold: A “horse of Saint Mark”.
• United Kingdom:
The United Kingdom uses a complex system with several symbols combining titration, place of testing and year.
• 18 carat gold: “750” + a specific mark at the fitting office (e.g., a leopard for London).
• 9 carat gold: “375” + assaying office mark.
• United States:
The jewelry bears a simple numerical inscription indicating the grading (e.g., “18K” or “14K”). No official graphic stamp is required.
• India and Middle East:
• 22 carat gold: Very common, often marked “916”.
• 24-karat gold: Used for high-value jewelry, often stamped “999.”
Why are hallmarks important?
Hallmarks are essential to protect consumers and guarantee transparency on the quality of jewelry. They help distinguish genuine pieces from imitations or inferior alloys. When purchasing a piece of jewelry, checking the hallmark is an essential step to ensure its value and authenticity.
At Lauredi, all our jewelry is hallmarked with an eagle's head, guaranteeing its composition of 18 carats. Hallmarking is carried out under the supervision of French customs guaranteeing the quality of the gold.
The importance of the quantity of gold in grams
Besides the carat size, the amount of gold in grams and the thickness of the ring's structure play a crucial role in its strength, durability and ability to hold the gemstones in place.
Quantity of gold in grams: critical thresholds
A ring containing less than 1 gram of gold is generally considered too thin for everyday wear. Here are the implications depending on the weights:
• Less than 1 gram:
• Extreme fragility.
• High risk of deformation under daily pressure, especially if the ring is worn continuously.
• Set stones, especially diamonds, may come loose if twisted.
• Between 1 and 1.5 grams:
• Sufficient for simple, fine rings (without precious stones).
• May be suitable for jewelry worn occasionally, but remains vulnerable to prolonged wear.
• More than 1.5 grams:
• Recommended for gemstone rings or everyday wear.
• Offering better shock resistance and enhanced security for setting stones.
At Lauredi, we ensure that each ring is designed with a quantity of gold greater than 1.5 grams, often beyond 2 grams, to ensure optimal durability and guarantee that the jewel can survive the years without losing its shape or break.
For example the Loop ring , is made with 4.3 grams of 18 carat gold
Some jewelers today choose to reduce the amount of gold in their jewelry in order to reduce their price. However, this choice is not relevant in the long term, beyond making very small jewelry, it favors fragile jewelry, which can lose its stones.
Structure thickness: a key criterion
The thickness of the gold in a ring is just as important as its overall weight. A ring that is too thin can bend easily or see its set stones come loose. Here are the recommendations for minimum thickness:
• Thickness less than 1 mm:
• Too fragile for daily use.
• Only suitable for decorative designs or rings intended for occasional wear.
• Between 1 mm and 1.5 mm:
• Suitable for clean designs without precious stones.
• Can withstand moderate use, but remains more vulnerable to deformation if subjected to significant pressure.
• More than 1.5 mm:
• Recommended for rings with precious stones and for robust creations.
• Optimal thickness for comfort, stone safety and durability.
Quality at Lauredi: a perfect balance
At Lauredi, we follow strict standards to ensure that our rings are strong and durable:
• Minimum weight: All our rings contain at least 2 grams of gold, even for fine designs, ensuring a robust structure.
• Optimal thickness: Our rings have a minimum thickness of 1.2 mm, which guarantees excellent everyday resistance and optimal safety for precious stones.
This attention to detail makes each Lauredi piece of jewelry a timeless piece, designed to cross generations while retaining its beauty and solidity.
Gold: a safe investment and a noble material for unique jewelry
For millennia, gold has been considered a symbol of wealth and power, but also as a stable and timeless investment. Its status as a safe haven has strengthened in recent years in the face of global economic uncertainty. This precious metal also has a unique characteristic: it is infinitely recyclable, without ever losing its qualities. At Lauredi, we transform this exceptional property of gold into an opportunity for our clients, by creating bespoke jewelry that combines heritage, sustainability and personalized design.
A precious metal with a rising value
Since 2021, gold prices have experienced strong growth, demonstrating its solidity as an investment:
• 2021: An increase of 4.3%, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth.
• 2022-2024: A cumulative increase of more than 27%, reaching historic highs.
2025: Forecasts remain bullish, confirming that gold remains a store of value in the face of economic fluctuations.
These figures underline the role of gold as a secure investment in a context of global crises and financial market instability.
Opportunities for consumers: jewelry and investment
The rise in the price of gold offers several interesting possibilities for individuals:
• Advantageous resale:
Those who own unused gold jewelry can take advantage of the current valuation to resell it at high prices, turning forgotten pieces into cash.
• Creation of tailor-made jewelry with Lauredi:
Thanks to the unique property of gold, which can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, Lauredi offers an exclusive transformation service. Your old or inherited jewelry can be recast and reinvented into unique, bespoke creations, tailored to your tastes.
We only use recycled or ethically sourced 18k gold, ensuring each piece has a reduced environmental impact and exceptional quality. Our designers work with you to imagine a piece of jewelry that tells your story and spans generations. Make an appointment for a free consultation
• Sustainable investment:
Purchasing 18-karat gold jewelry is an aesthetic pleasure and a tangible investment. By choosing a Lauredi ring or piece of jewelry, you are investing in a piece of high jewelry whose intrinsic value is expected to be maintained, or even grow, over time.
Why choose Lauredi for your gold jewelry?
At Lauredi, we combine French artisanal expertise, ethics and personalization to offer our customers much more than just jewelry: works of art designed to last. Each gold piece we create is a fusion of tradition and innovation, designed to combine beauty, durability and personal meaning.
Conclusion: Gold, an informed and timeless choice
Whether for investing, transforming old jewelry or creating a custom piece, gold is the material par excellence. Its increasing value and its ability to be recycled endlessly make it a wise and environmentally friendly choice. With Lauredi, give new life to this precious metal and treat yourself to a unique, timeless and meaningful piece of jewelry.
Discover our collections and our tailor-made services to transform gold into a personal heirloom.
