In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter and his team unearthed the tomb of Tutankhamun. Upon opening his sarcophagus, they found the Boy King (reign: 1333-24 BCE) wearing a magnificent funerary mask made of gold. Ancient Egyptians were captivated by the shiny substance, burying their pharaohs in golden tombs, believing the sun’s metal would carry them into the afterlife. For 3000 years, Tutankhamun’s mummy lay undisturbed, covered with a death mask fashioned after Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Although gold represented wealth in Egypt, it also embodied spirituality; providing a bridge between the earthly and the immortal.
Gold is a colour that carries weight. It is one of earth’s precious metals, cherished for centuries for its rarity, purity and seductive beauty. Culturally, gold symbolizes different things. In China, it is associated with luck and power. In medieval Europe, it was purity and faith—saints were painted in golden light, not to show wealth but sanctity. In the Americas, the lure of gold drove people to risk everything in a quest to unearth their own fortune. In India it symbolizes good fortune. Gold is often referred to as “the imperishable,” meaning that its resistance to decay makes it last forever.
Gold confirms significant moments in our lives: stars on a school report, a graduation tassel, a wedding ring, or a 50th anniversary. Winning a gold medal is the ultimate achievement. An Oscar, a Grammy, a Pulitzer, a Noble – they are all gold. What is your gold standard? Do you live by the golden rule? That was my golden opportunity.
However, gold comes with some baggage. Remember Midas? Everything he touched turned to gold. Over time, his great power became his demise. It has been the reason for envy, greed, betrayal and wars. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, English and Spanish navies managed to cover all of these. Even now, gold walks a fine line between elegance and excess. A gold watch carries a certain panache – a gold lame jumpsuit – not so much.
When used with care, gold can be quiet and profound. It may be a fine thread through embroidery, the edges of a book, or the tip of a fountain pen. Handwritten illuminated manuscripts were often embellished with gold paint, adding a certain sparkle to the written word. Some artists, hoping to add structure and harmony to their work, will incorporate the golden ratio into their compositions. Photographers and cinematographers wait patiently for the golden hour (sunrise and sunset) to fill their images with an inviting, warm glow. Gold gilding, foil and inks imply sophistication, signalling to the viewer that this is “attention-worthy.” When used appropriately, gold goes beyond being a colour – it becomes a value.