The holidays are upon us, and shopping for gifts for the special people in our lives is in full swing. That makes it the perfect time to take a look at the history and meaning of one of the most timeless and valued holiday traditions worldwide…gifting gold.

Gold has been prized for its beauty and rarity for thousands of years, making it a treasured gift and a time-honored way to mark some of our most important cultural and religious celebrations. Whether given in the form of currency, jewelry or decoration, gold has come to represent love, wealth and power around the world.  

A Present with a Glowing Past

holiday gold traditions

Examples of historical gold gifting traditions are practically endless, but a few stand out for their longevity and impact on gift-giving today.

For instance, gifting gold for the Chinese New Year is a long-standing custom intended to pass good luck and fortune along to the recipient. Gold has long been associated with prosperity and good luck in India as well, and gifts of gold are a central part of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights.

Jewish communities have a tradition dating back to the 17th century of giving “gelt” – originally money, but now more commonly associated with chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil – to children as a Hanukkah gift. Putting gold coins in Christmas stockings is a holiday tradition going back to the origins of the story of St. Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus!

And of course, one of the most famous examples of gold being given as a gift is the biblical story of the three wise men who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. This tribute to the newborn king was a fitting symbol of the baby’s royalty, and has served as an inspiration for Christmas gift-giving ever since.  

How You Can Give the Gift of Gold

gold jewelry and bullion products

Today, as it has been for centuries, gold jewelry is an enduring and cherished gift. While the styles and designs have changed and evolved through the ages, the popularity of this beautiful and versatile precious metal has remained constant. From classic gold chains and necklaces to gold rings set with precious gems, there is a piece of gold jewelry for every taste and budget. When purchasing gold jewelry, it’s important to understand the colour, weight and purity of the metal as the differences affect its value. Buying from a reputable, well-established jeweler can help ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality pieces.

Gifting gold in the form of coins, bars, or bullion is also an option to consider. Giving physical gold rather than paper currency helps ensure that your gift will hold its value and can be passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom. Of course, you should always keep in mind that GOLD IS VALUABLE and gifting gold carries some responsibility for both you and the recipient. A recent article on Investopedia.com about “How to Give Gold or Silver as a Gift” suggests that “It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or legal advisor to understand the full implications and regulations surrounding gifting physical gold in the U.S., especially when large values are involved.“

For many of us, the warmth and sparkle of gold are a cherished part of our holiday celebrations. No matter how you choose to wrap it up, you can’t go wrong with this timeless and elegant gift that is sure to be treasured for years to come.

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