The yellow metal that is so desirable has caused wars and many have died producing it.
Gold has many amazing properties in its pure state it will not even tarnish, as was discovered when the tomb of King Tutankhamen was opened the mask was still shining as new after all those years.
Gold has many commercial uses but when used in the manufacture of Jewellery it is usually marked to indicate what carat (fineness) the alloy is.
If you can imagine a cake with 24 slices if all slices where gold the article would be 24 carat, if 0nly 9 of the slices are gold and the rest various alloys, the article would be 9ct gold. The present day British hallmarks are 9ct, 14ct, 18ct and 22ct. in the past 12ct and 15ct have also been used.
The British system of government control of the gold marking is carried out at various goldsmiths halls (Assay offices) and is very strictly controlled so that if an item is hallmarked you are assured that the gold is of the standard marked, this is recognized the world over.
This system of marking dates back to the 12th century and has only changed to add additional marks to identify the maker, the town in which it was marked, and the year of marking and also if the item has been imported.
By law any item of gold over 1 gram must be hallmarked Silver must also be marked over 6grams.
Gold is also much used as an investment by both countries and individuals. In most cases the private investor will buy gold in the form of coins. To understand the value of gold when buying take the following steps.
Check on the internet the price of gold in pounds sterling (Kitco live market
Quotes ) this is the middle trade price if you are buying you will pay a premium and if selling you will receive a discounted price.
Be aware gold is very volatile in its price and the value can rise and fall dramatically, even in one day.
