Gold

Gold is so much more than a precious metal. It is a significant status symbol coveted by this country and flaunted whenever possible. You will not find gold less than 18 carats in this country, but only 18 carats or more! (If you’re a lover of silver jewelry, you won’t find any here!) Since they don’t add many other metals to their gold, to the American eye it looks like fake jewelry. It’s a bright gold color instead of the duller gold color we’re used to. But it’s the real thing.

Weddings are probably the biggest event one’s gold is displayed for all to see. The groom’s family presents the bride with gold earrings, a necklace, and bangles. The earrings and necklace are by American standards too big and gaudy, but the price tag is usually not under $2000, and sometimes way over that! Women attending the wedding sometimes wear the set they received for their marriage, and if not they wear another set they acquired. Anytime I wear gold, fake or real, someone notices, and asks me if it is real gold.