Gold: From Artifacts to Everyday Life: Discover Its Enduring Allure

by Rosa June 30, 2021

written by Rosa June 30, 2021

Gold: From Artifacts to Everyday Life

The Allure of Gold

Gold has captivated humans for centuries, symbolizing wealth, power, and luxury. The Museum of American Finance’s exhibition, “Worth Its Weight: Gold from the Ground Up,” explores the enduring fascination with this precious metal.

Sidney Mobell’s Golden Creations

The exhibition showcases the extraordinary works of octogenarian artist and jewelry maker Sidney Mobell. His golden masterpieces transform everyday objects into dazzling works of art, including a 14-karat gold mousetrap baited with a diamond cheese wedge, a solid gold Monopoly board, and a jewel-studded golden toilet seat fit for King Midas.

Gold Artifacts Through History

Beyond Mobell’s creations, the exhibition displays a diverse collection of gold artifacts from around the world and throughout history. These include rare currency dating back to 564-550 B.C., gold alloy dentures from the early 1800s, and a training helmet used by Project Gemini astronauts with a gold-tinted visor to protect against glare.

Gold’s Industrial Applications

Gold’s versatility extends beyond its traditional uses in jewelry and currency. Its unique properties of malleability, non-corrosiveness, and biological inertness make it valuable in industries such as technology and medicine.

Medical Innovations

In its purest form, gold is frequently used in medical technologies, including dental fillings, stents, and pacemakers. It can also be used to deliver targeted cancer medications directly to cancerous tissue, where it can be activated by near-infrared light to kill malignant cells.

Electronics and Technology

Gold’s non-corrosive and highly conductive properties make it an essential material in electronics manufacturing, including smartphone production. While smartphones contain only trace amounts of gold, Mobell’s extravagant cell phone is encrusted with 39 diamonds, 21 rubies, and 212 sapphires.

Gold Mining and Extraction

The exhibition also sheds light on the history and techniques of gold mining. Prospecting tools from the 1849 California Gold Rush are on display, along with molds used to form gold into different shapes.

Gold’s Everlasting Allure

“Gold remains the epitome of luxury,” says Kristin Aguilera, deputy director of the museum. “This exhibition tells the story of its discovery, formation, and continued importance in our society.”

Notable Artifacts

Among the notable items on display are:

A full set of gold alloy dentures, circa 1800
A ruby-and-gold jewelry box once owned by Elizabeth Taylor
Gold bars recovered from a 19th-century shipwreck

Visit the Exhibition

“Worth Its Weight: Gold from the Ground Up” runs through December 30, 2016 at the Museum of American Finance, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. Visitors are encouraged to explore the fascinating world of gold and its enduring allure.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.