Give the Gift of GOLD

From the three wise men to the five gold rings for your one true love, gold has always been the ultimate gift. Sally Morrison of the World Gold Council shares the hottest trends and explains the enduring love affair people have with gold.Sally tells us that gold was all over the red carpets this year at the Oscars and all over the runways as well...in not only fashion, but accessories, and of course gold jewerly. So going for the gold this year is a very big trend.But why is gold jewelry a perfect gift? Sally says it's the ultimate way for two people to display their commitment when they want to say something meaningful. It's always been an object of fascination...it's warm, rich, brilliant, luminous. So yes, we've had a longstanding long affair with gold, and with good reason. Unlike other gifts, such as electronics, which depreciate immediately after the box is opened, gold will continue to be a store of value over time. So what are some of the hot gold trends this season?* Personalization - pieces that tell a story and let you express yourself through a personal narrative, like a birthday, initial, or zodiac sign...always a loving and sentimental gift. * Return to the '70s, pieces that pay homage to the classics but in a fresh modern way: easy, breezy, hoops, bangles, chains. Sally says there's been a lot of influence on the red carpet as well. Seeing it this season in big bold cuff bracelets, gorgeous interesting textures, highly creative shapes.So when buying gold, Sally recommends a few tips.1. Gold is available in a wide range of karats and colors. You should have a sense of the recipient's style when you shop. Do they wear yellow? Do they like traditional styles or do they lean towards the contemporary?2. Shop with your budget in mind too. While 24 karat indicates pure gold, most designers work in 18 karat or 20 karat gold. The higher the karat, the higher price you'll pay upfront, but that also means that the item will be worth more down the road as gold continues to increase in value.3. Gold takes care of itself, and has since the beginning of time. 500 years from now your wedding band will look as magical and glowing as the day it was made. It's the ultimate eternal gift.For more info, styles, and images with the latest cultural and artistic influences, check out facebook.com/gold.Sponsored by The World Gold Council