Buying guide: how to buy gold wisely

Discovered more than 5,000 years ago, gold has always been more than just a metal. It is deeply woven into human history, defining entire eras and civilizations through its rarity, its brilliance and its malleability. Here is an overview of the major periods and of what gold has meant 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 settled civilizations began to work this gleaming metal. The earliest ornaments ever found, notably in the Varna necropolis in Bulgaria, show that gold was already used to signal high social status. It was prized 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

In Antiquity, gold took on an even more sacred dimension.

• Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians regarded gold as the flesh of the gods, in particular of the sun god Ra. Gold adorned the tombs of the pharaohs, as in Tutankhamun’s famous funerary mask, and symbolized eternity. Goldworking techniques were refined during this period, making it possible to create intricate 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 treasuries, often to assert their supremacy.

• Greece and Rome: For 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 to make chalices, crosses and other liturgical objects, symbolizing divine purity and the light of God.

• Medieval kingdoms: The gold crowns of monarchs represented their divine right to rule. Gold was also hoarded as treasure and used to seal alliances between kingdoms.

4. The Age of Discovery and the colonial era: the quest for gold

With the great age of exploration (15th to 17th centuries), gold took on a new meaning: global wealth.

• The rush to the Americas: Spanish conquistadors plundered the treasures of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, shipping enormous quantities of gold back to Europe.

• Gold as a universal currency: Gold coins became an economic standard, cementing gold’s 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 safe haven and a cultural heritage all at once.

• Contemporary jewelry: Gold remains the cornerstone of fine jewelry, especially in its 18-karat form, which combines brilliance and durability.

• Economic value: Gold is a safe investment in times of economic uncertainty, a timeless safe-haven asset.

• Recyclability and ethics: With growing environmental concerns, gold is now recognized for its ability to be recycled endlessly, meeting today’s expectations of sustainability.

How gold mining has evolved: from ancient techniques to modern methods

The first mining techniques: ancestral know-how

Gold mining goes back thousands of years, and the earliest methods were simple but laborious.

• Crushing and washing: In the earliest civilizations, notably in Egypt and Mesopotamia, gold was extracted by hand from river deposits. Miners used rudimentary tools to crush gold-bearing rock, then washed the ore in streams. This process separated the heavier gold particles from the sand and gravel.

• Heating the ore: Once collected, the gold was often heated to separate it from any remaining impurities. Primitive as it was, this technique allowed civilizations such as the Egyptians to produce remarkably sophisticated objects in pure gold.

Although these methods were environmentally friendly thanks to their low impact, their yield was limited: they could recover only a tiny fraction of the gold contained in the ore.

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 soaring demand for gold, fueled by the gold rushes in California, Australia and South Africa.

• The amalgamation method: Gold extracted from the ore was mixed with mercury to form an amalgam. The amalgam was then heated to vaporize the mercury, leaving pure gold behind. Although highly effective, this method had disastrous consequences for the environment and human health because of the toxic mercury vapors.

• The cyanide process (1887): Developed by John MacArthur, this chemical process dissolves gold in a cyanide solution, recovering up to 90% of the gold contained in the ore. Still widely used today, it works well for low-grade ores but raises serious environmental problems, notably the risk of contaminating soil and waterways.

Modern mining: between technology and sustainability

Today, gold mining relies on advanced techniques that aim to maximize efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

• Open-pit and underground mines: These methods involve digging huge pits or tunnels to extract gold-bearing ore, which is then treated chemically to recover the gold.

• Bioleaching: A greener alternative to cyanide, this process uses bacteria to dissolve the gold contained in the ore. Promising as it is, the method is still not widely used.

• Gold recycling: Around 200,000 tonnes of gold have been mined since the dawn of human history, and much of it is still in circulation. Recycling gold, notably from old jewelry or electronic components, is a growing and sustainable trend.

Ethical and environmental issues

Despite technological progress, gold mining remains an industry with significant impacts:

• Deforestation and biodiversity loss: Mining destroys local ecosystems, particularly in tropical regions.

• Soil and water pollution: Chemical processes such as cyanide leaching often contaminate groundwater and rivers.

• Precarious working conditions: In some regions, artisanal gold mining takes place in dangerous conditions, often with no respect for human rights.

This is why more and more brands, like Lauredi, are committing to using recycled gold or gold from ethical, RJC-certified sources.

A precious material, a sustainable future

The history of gold mining has been shaped by major changes, from manual processes to complex technologies. Today, while demand for gold remains strong, the future of this precious metal depends on sustainable, responsible practices that ensure its timeless beauty does not come at the cost of irreversible damage to our planet.

18-karat gold: an ideal choice for jewelry

In jewelry, pure gold (24 karats) is usually alloyed with other metals to make it stronger. Containing 75% pure gold, 18-karat gold strikes the perfect balance between purity, durability and brilliance, which makes it the preferred choice for quality jewelry.

Gold: an endlessly recyclable metal

One of gold’s most remarkable features is that it can be recycled with no loss of quality. Around 88% of all the gold ever extracted from the earth has been mined since 1848, and much of it is still in circulation today, a testament to its durability and lasting value.

What does the amount of gold in a piece of jewelry mean?

Gold is rarely used in its pure form (24 karats) to make jewelry: it is too soft and bends far too easily for durable pieces. To ensure strength and durability, it is combined with other metals to form alloys. The amount of pure gold in a piece is measured in karats, a key factor in its quality, appearance and value.

Understanding karats: the measure of purity

Karatage refers to the proportion of pure gold in an alloy, expressed in parts out of 24. The higher the karat, the purer and more precious the gold. Here are the main categories used in jewelry:

• 24 karat (100% pure gold):

Known for its rich, vibrant color, this gold is too malleable for jewelry meant for everyday wear. It is nonetheless 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 for ceremonies or kept as an investment.

• 18 karat (75% pure gold):

18-karat gold is the benchmark for high-end jewelry, particularly in Europe and the Americas. With 75% pure gold mixed with silver and copper (for the remaining 25%), it offers the ideal balance between purity and strength. Its radiant hue and durability make it a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands and other fine jewelry.

• 14 karat (58.3% pure gold):

This alloy is less precious and less brilliant than 18-karat gold, but it is more resistant to wear. 14-karat gold is often used for affordable jewelry and for designs that need extra sturdiness, such as bracelets.

• 9 karat (37.5% pure gold):

9-karat gold contains only a small proportion of pure gold, which makes it less precious and more prone to tarnishing. Although popular in some markets, notably the United Kingdom, it is seen as a budget option rather than a luxury choice. It is often the alloy of choice for flash-sale sites and inexpensive jewelry. With only 37.5% gold, 9-karat pieces often do not offer the same level of quality as 18-karat jewelry.

The metals in gold alloys: their role and impact

To turn pure gold into an alloy suitable for jewelry, metals such as copper, silver, palladium or nickel are added. These metals affect not only the strength of the alloy but also its color and appearance:

• Copper:

It strengthens the gold and gives it a warmer, even reddish, tone. 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 look.

• Silver:

Added to gold, silver gives it a lighter, brighter tone. Used in large quantities with a small share of copper, it produces classic yellow gold. Silver also makes the alloy more malleable.

• Palladium and platinum:

These metals are used to create white gold. Besides giving it a silvery tone, they considerably increase the strength of the alloy. An additional rhodium plating is often applied to enhance the brilliance of white gold.

• Nickel:

Although less common today because of frequent allergies, nickel was long a component of white gold. It contributes to its durability and pale tone.

Diagram showing how the alloy affects the color of gold

Geographical variations and cultural preferences

Preferences for gold karats and colors vary considerably around the world:

• In India, 24-karat gold is a symbolic and traditional choice, often worn as a sign of status and opulence at weddings and festivals.

• In Europe, 18-karat gold is widely preferred for luxury jewelry, reflecting a taste for elegance and quality.

• In North America, 14-karat gold is common for everyday jewelry, offering an affordable and sturdy option.

• In the Middle East, high-karat yellow gold (22 or 24) is highly prized for its purity and cultural value.

How the amount of gold affects a ring

The amount of gold in a ring affects both its appearance and its longevity. A high-quality piece, such as an 18-karat gold ring, offers the best balance between brilliance, sturdiness and durability. Carefully formulated with complementary metals, gold alloys make a wide range of designs possible while meeting cultural and aesthetic preferences.

Choosing a well-designed gold ring, with the right proportion of pure gold and alloy, is a safe investment, both for its timeless brilliance and for its ability to be passed down through the generations.

Gold hallmarks: in France and abroad

In jewelry, hallmarks are marks stamped on pieces to indicate their fineness (gold purity) and guarantee their authenticity. Here is a summary of the hallmarks used in France and in some other countries for the different gold fineness levels:

Hallmarks in France:

In France, gold jewelry is subject to strict standards and must be hallmarked to certify its purity. Here are the official hallmarks for the main fineness levels:

• 24-karat gold (999 parts per thousand):

• Hallmark: a “seahorse”.

• Use: rare in jewelry, mainly for bullion bars and investment coins.

• 22-karat gold (916 parts per thousand):

• Hallmark: a “crown”.

• Use: uncommon in France, but used for high-purity jewelry, often imported.

• 18-karat gold (750 parts per thousand):

• Hallmark: an “eagle’s head”.

• Use: the standard for high-end French jewelry, valued for its balance of brilliance and sturdiness.

• 14-karat gold (585 parts per thousand):

• Hallmark: a “scallop shell”.

• Use: for more affordable jewelry or imported pieces.

• 9-karat gold (375 parts per thousand):

• Hallmark: a “clover”.

• Use: common in budget jewelry, although less popular in France.

French hallmarks

Hallmarks abroad:

Hallmarks vary from country to country, but most nations apply a mark to indicate the purity of gold. Here are the standards in some key markets:

• Switzerland:

• 18-karat gold: a “squirrel”.

• 14-karat gold: a “Saint Mark’s horse”.

• United Kingdom:

The United Kingdom uses a complex system with several symbols combining the fineness, the assay office and the year.

• 18-karat gold: “750” plus a mark specific to the assay office (for example, a leopard’s head for London).

• 9-karat gold: “375” plus the assay office mark.

• United States:

Jewelry carries a simple numerical stamp indicating the fineness (for example, “18K” or “14K”). No official pictorial hallmark is required.

• India and the Middle East:

• 22-karat gold: very common, often marked “916”.

• 24-karat gold: used for high-value jewelry, often stamped “999”.

Why do hallmarks matter?

Hallmarks are essential to protect consumers and ensure transparency about the quality of jewelry. They make it possible to tell authentic pieces from imitations or lower-quality alloys. When buying jewelry, checking the hallmark is an essential step to make sure of its value and authenticity.

At Lauredi, all our jewelry is stamped with an eagle’s head, guaranteeing that it is 18-karat gold. Hallmarking is carried out under the supervision of French customs, which guarantees the quality of the gold.

Why the weight of gold in grams matters

Beyond karatage, the weight of gold in grams and the thickness of the ring’s structure play a crucial role in its sturdiness, its durability and its ability to hold gemstones securely in place.

Gold weight in grams: the critical thresholds

A ring containing less than 1 gram of gold is generally considered too thin for everyday wear. Here is what each weight range means:

• Less than 1 gram:

• Extremely fragile.

• High risk of bending under daily pressure, especially if the ring is worn all the time.

• Set stones, diamonds in particular, may come loose if the ring is twisted.

• Between 1 and 1.5 grams:

• Enough for simple, slim rings (without gemstones).

• May suit jewelry worn occasionally, but remains vulnerable to long-term wear.

• More than 1.5 grams:

• Recommended for rings with gemstones or for everyday wear.

• Offers better resistance to knocks and more secure stone settings.

At Lauredi, we make sure every ring is designed with more than 1.5 grams of gold, often more than 2 grams, to ensure optimal durability and so the piece can last for years without losing its shape or breaking.

For example, the Loop ring is made with 4.3 grams of 18-karat gold.

Some jewelers today choose to reduce the amount of gold in their pieces to bring their prices down. Yet this choice makes little sense in the long run: beyond producing very small pieces, it leads to fragile jewelry that can lose its stones.

Structural thickness: a key criterion

The thickness of the gold in a ring matters just as much as its total weight. A ring that is too thin can bend easily or let its set stones work loose. Here are the recommendations for minimum thickness:

• Thickness under 1 mm:

• Too fragile for everyday wear.

• Only suitable for decorative designs or rings meant to be worn occasionally.

• Between 1 mm and 1.5 mm:

• Suitable for minimalist designs without gemstones.

• Can withstand moderate wear, but remains more prone to bending under heavy pressure.

• More than 1.5 mm:

• Recommended for rings with gemstones and for sturdy designs.

• The ideal thickness for comfort, stone security and durability.

Quality at Lauredi: the perfect balance

At Lauredi, we follow strict standards to make sure our rings are strong and durable:

• Minimum weight: All our rings contain at least 2 grams of gold, even the slimmest designs, ensuring a sturdy structure.

• Optimal thickness: Our rings have a minimum thickness of 1.2 mm, which ensures excellent resistance to everyday wear and optimal security for gemstones.

This attention to detail makes every Lauredi piece timeless, designed to be passed down through the generations while keeping its beauty and strength.

Gold: a safe investment and a noble material for one-of-a-kind jewelry

For thousands of years, gold has been seen as a symbol of wealth and power, but also as a stable, timeless investment. Its safe-haven status has grown stronger in recent years amid global economic uncertainty. This precious metal also has a unique quality: it can be recycled endlessly without ever losing its properties. At Lauredi, we turn this exceptional property of gold into an opportunity for our clients by creating custom jewelry that brings together heritage, sustainability and personalized design.

A precious metal with rising value

Since 2021, gold prices have risen strongly, proof of gold’s strength as an investment:

• 2021: An increase of 4.3%, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth.

• 2022 to 2024: A cumulative rise of more than 27%, reaching all-time highs.

• 2025: Forecasts remain bullish, confirming that gold is still a store of value in the face of economic fluctuations.

These figures underline gold’s role as a secure investment amid global crises and financial market instability.

Opportunities for consumers: jewelry and investment

The rising price of gold opens up several attractive possibilities for individuals:

• Selling at a good price:

If you own gold jewelry you no longer wear, you can take advantage of current prices to sell it for a high price, turning forgotten pieces into cash.

• Custom jewelry with Lauredi:

Thanks to gold’s unique ability to be recycled endlessly without losing quality, Lauredi offers an exclusive transformation service. Your old or inherited jewelry can be melted down and reinvented as one-of-a-kind custom creations, tailored to your taste.

We use only recycled or ethically sourced 18-karat gold, giving every piece a reduced environmental impact and exceptional quality. Our designers work with you to imagine a piece that tells your story and will be passed down through the generations. Book a free consultation

• A lasting investment:

Buying 18-karat gold jewelry is both an aesthetic pleasure and a tangible investment. When you choose a Lauredi ring or piece of jewelry, you are investing in a fine jewelry piece whose intrinsic value is set to hold, or even grow, over time.

Why choose Lauredi for your gold jewelry?

At Lauredi, we bring together French jewelry expertise, ethics and personalization to offer our clients far more than just jewelry: works of art designed to last. Every gold piece we create is a fusion of tradition and innovation, conceived to combine beauty, durability and personal meaning.

Conclusion: gold, an informed and timeless choice

Whether you want to invest, transform old jewelry or create a custom piece, gold is the material of choice. Its rising value and its ability to be recycled endlessly make it a smart, environmentally friendly choice. With Lauredi, give this precious metal a new life and treat yourself to a unique, timeless and meaningful piece of jewelry.

Explore our collections and our custom services to turn gold into a personal heirloom.