7 Fun Facts About Gold Chains and Jewelry

When you think of luxury jewelry, there’s one metal that immediately springs to mind and that one metal is gold. Gold is the ultimate material when it comes to jewelry. We associate it with luxury and decadence, which is why gold chains and gold jewelry in general have proved to be so popular for so many centuries.

Gold can be used to make a wide variety of different items of jewelry ranging from rings and watches to earrings and bracelets. One timeless piece of jewelry that lends itself perfectly to gold, however, is gold chains.

Gold chains, particularly gold crosses, are highly sought-after and make for the perfect gift for everybody. Whether you’re on the lookout for a gold cross necklace for women, or a gold cross pendent for men, it pays to know what you’re looking for and what it is you’re buying in the first place.

Gold crosses and necklaces have been popular for centuries, but do you know why that is? If not, the following is ideal as we look at several fun facts about gold crosses and jewelry.

Gold Crosses Are Often Seen as Religious Symbols

One thing we love about gold cross necklaces is the fact that they can be used in a wide variety of different ways, for a number of different purposes.

More often than not, however, they’re seen as religious symbols in various religions. In particular, crosses and crucifixes are associated with Christianity. Originally, crucifix necklaces were worn by Christians as a symbol of their faith and religious beliefs.

Recently in England, the skeleton of a young noblewoman was discovered on a burial bed back in 2011. Her body is believed to be at least 1,400 years old and was adorned with a stunning gold and garnet cross necklace around her neck. This discovery led experts to believe that the site could be one of religious significance such as a nunnery or monastery.

Fool’s Gold is a Thing

If you’ve ever heard people speaking of a thing known as ‘fool’s gold’ before, chances are they were referring to a mineral known as ‘Pyrite’.

Pyrite is often called ‘fool’s gold’ because it looked similar to actual gold to people unfamiliar with actual gold. Some unscrupulous sellers would try to pass it off as real gold, though thankfully times have now changed.

Pyrite jewelry is still very popular today, but when it comes to chains and necklaces, gold chains still stand head and shoulders above pyrite chains and jewelry.

Gold Crosses and Chains Need Low Maintenance

Because they’re made of gold, in order to keep your gold chains and necklaces looking their best you need to ensure you have them cleaned and maintained.

To prevent gold jewelry from becoming dull, dirty, and faded, it’s important to get them cleaned with a soft cloth. Do this, and your gold jewelry will look its best for decades.

Gold is Measured in Karats

When you’re browsing for gold crosses, or a lovely new gold cross pendant, you’ll see you’re given different options in terms of the types of gold available.

Gold comes in 14 karats, 18 Karats, and 24 Karats. The higher the Karat, the more expensive the gold chain is likely to be. 24 Karat gold is pure gold and is therefore the most valuable and expensive option.

Our Crosses sold at Goldcrosses.com come in 14 or 18 Karats since this is the best value of carats for gold jewelry.

A Gold Cross Necklace for Men is Likely to be Thicker

Another thing to love about gold jewelry nowadays, especially gold cross necklaces, is the fact that there are plenty of different designs out there to fit both men and women.

One thing you’ll likely find when shopping for a gold necklace for men is that the chains are usually thicker, more durable, and more masculine in appearance. A gold necklace for women is likely to be thinner, sleeker, shorter, and more feminine.

There are, however, plenty of gold cross necklaces out there which would be suitable for both men and women.

Gold Chains Were Once Worn as a Status Symbol

These days, people wear gold chains and necklaces for a wide range of different reasons.

Many centuries ago, gold was worn as a status symbol. Because the metal was so valuable, only those with money could afford it. Wealth was seen as a symbol of status and so the more gold a person wore, the wealthier they were, and generally, the more powerful they were.

Those who wanted to look wealthy and powerful would therefore wear gold jewelry. As gold necklaces were so prominent, they were often the preferred choice when it came to jewelry.

People would often wear them at celebrations and special occasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies.

NASA Uses Gold in Their Helmets

As well as being used to make stunning gold chains and gold cross necklaces, it turns out that gold can also be useful in space travel too.

NASA actually designed their helmets with a thin layer of gold found on the visor of the astronaut’s helmets. This is to help protect the astronaut from the harmful effects of solar radiation from the sun, while also reducing glare to assist with visibility. 

So, there you have it, just 8 of the many, many interesting facts out there surrounding gold chains, gold jewelry, and gold in general.

If you’re on the market for stylish and luxurious gold necklaces and crosses to suit all budgets, be sure to check out our gold crosses and other pieces of jewelry, and you can find your dream necklace in no time at all.