Gold has held its value throughout human history and continues to do so in the volatile and uncertain economic climates of the modern world. Unlike paper currency, coins, or other assets, gold has maintained its value throughout the ages. People see gold as a way to pass on and preserve their wealth from one generation to another. As civilizations traded gold with each other, they attributed various values to it, which sometimes had strong correlations with the development of their society. In some cultures, gold bore a religious significance while in others it was linked to royalty. This universal attribution of value to gold eventually culminated in its use as a common medium of exchange – effectively birth of gold as ‘money’.
In contemporary times, the gold value serves a multitude of purposes in various sectors. Financially, it serves as a solid investment, particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty. When tensions rise, investors flock to gold as a safe-haven investment since gold prices often move independently of stocks and bonds. Precious metals like gold are finite and are therefore seen as more stable than forms of money that can be printed at will. Furthermore, gold is seen to play a pivotal role in industry and technology due to its excellent conductivity, resistance to tarnish and pliability. From dentistry and medicine, to electronics and beyond, gold is a highly sought-after precious metal that adds value in a variety of sectors.