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When we talk about precious metals we usually
mean gold, platinum and another pure metal, fine silver.
Silver is one of the original materials of value mentioned
in the Bible, together with other originals such as precious
gemstones that existed from the beginning of time.
This explains part of the attraction associated
with these 'non-virtual' commodities - they existed for
a very long time in human history, and presumably even before.
Used throughout all generations and nations they have been
and are one of the preferred ways to display symbols of
value and are used as objects of beauty and style in jewelry.
As a form of personal expression and 'street art'.
Thinking of fashion styles we tend to look
at clothing, hair styling and makeup first. However accessories
are a major part of the outfit. Jewelry one of its coolest
forms.
Why is silver jewelry one of the constants
that remain throughout history? What is the real mystery
and the secret of silver? It's not only its cool attraction
-- it is one of the commodities that existed before paper
money, and it will retain it's value after currencies are
gone.
In a world that goes more virtual by the minute
we keep a few valuables that have their own pre-set value
outside our current reality. Currencies will go virtual,
jewelry will not.
To give you an idea about the differences
of investments in tangible and intangible products and how
it works out in real life, let me give you an example that
nearly did cost me $25.000 in the past.
During the first oil crisis I lived in New
Zealand for a few years and had to invest my assets in appropriate
channels at that time. Because back then not only oil prices
went up, also other commodities such as gold and silver
increased slightly in value and I decided to invest some
money in metals.
After locating a company that advertised selling
of gold bullion, I went to their downtown store and asked
a clerk to purchase gold for about $25.000. I never did
this kind of investment before and was a bit unsure about
where to keep it save from curious people and for the possible
event of burglars in the house.
Knowing what was on my mind the clerk asked
me that memorable question "would you like to have
this in gold options, stocks or physical bullion?"
He went through great lengths to explain me the advantages
of "gold papers" that follow the value of gold
at any time, so increase in value if the gold price further
increases. There would be no necessity to actually touch
physical things, and I could cash in the papers at any time.
I almost agreed to his offer, when suddenly
a small yet bright thought of warning flashed my mind. Something
that a goldsmith I met before told me years earlier, he
said: "If you ever buy gold, remember the reason why
you buy it, and do not buy virtual gold, but the real thing
only".
This thought won in the end because my adviser
taught me many basic things about jewelry and metals, and
I highly respected his opinion. Turned out he was right.
Less than 6 months later, the company I bought the bullion
from faced bankruptcy and all their options, shares and
other papers lost all of their value. I still had my physical
gold however, that increased in value by about 10% at that
time.
With that example fresh in mind, I personally
still make distinctions when I buy personal products that
enhance my lifestyle today.
Yes I invest a lot in software for example
that enhances my virtual PC desktop, and helps websites
function the way they should, and also loose a lot of it
every few years when a harddisk or server crashes. I also
enjoy the latest designer clothes, however they wear out
and generally get damaged by usage over time.
However I keep a small collection of silver
and gold jewelry in the same fresh looking condition as
I originally bought it many years ago. These items never
wear out, never go out of style. And never loose their value.
It's the real thing.
About the author:
IGeorge Ahrens is editor at BlueOceanJewelry.com
where you can find a fresh breeze in style of unique silver
jewelry with a touch of smart elegance and sophistication.
New designs with colorful precious gemstones that express
vitality and dynamic energy. Bold statements of style, fun
and timeless elegance. Latest Trends First http://www.BlueOceanJewelry.com
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