The New Nation - Internet Edition

A year back platinum and silver were quite the rage, but gold is in vogue once again. Explore the charisma of the precious yellow metalt

Gold since ages has adorned kings and queens, nobility, brides and grooms across the world. It is said to be an auspicious offering to the gods and brides are traditionally welcomed to their new homes with a gift of gold.

No auspicious ceremony - be it the birth of a child, a marriage, an eighteenth birthday, a festival or a special celebration - is complete without it. Little wonders that gold continues to be a favourite with millions across the country.

Today, gold is sought for reasons beyond investment and traditionalism. Gold is no longer carefully locked inside only to be brought out on special event or a big fat wedding. Gold is now allowed to spread its sheen and sparkle every day.

Though a year back platinum and silver were quite the rage, gold is in vogue once again. In fact, the onset of the marriage and festival season in Bangladesh has seen a surge in gold prices.

According to a jeweler, named Arun Kumar, "Gold prices are going up and though other metals are gaining popularity that has not made much difference to the gold market. Going by market trends and bridal choice gold is still a preferred metal. It's just that the taste for designs has changed."

According to figures released by World Gold Council (WGC), global demand for gold in mid 2007 touched a record of $14.5 billion mark, 37 per cent more than the corresponding period of 2006. The trend of gold prices in Bangladesh in the last few years reveals that the yellow metal has appreciated 95-fold. This reappearance in the demand for gold and the desire for more wearable and lightweight designs has forced many jewellery houses to launch daily wear gold jewellery.

"Bangladeshi gold jewellery is clearly the flavor of choice for ladies as well as young girls now. Today's jewellery shop collection for gold has been inspired by two major categories of buyers- traditional and modern, we have been able to revive both.

The availability of sleeker and hipper gold jewellery has also helped to break away from the mindset that gold is only meant for older women. You don't have to be in your 40's or 50's to wear gold. "When I was young I used to think that only old people wear gold. But gold is not just for oldies. Gold has an understated style and I love wearing gold. I have been collecting lots of gold since I got married. Gold has also become more youth-oriented. Now gold blends with all kinds of fashion and style. It's not only about saris, it even goes with westerns," says Monika.

Besides remoulding itself to a trendier avatar, traditional designs have also been reworked to suit modern tastes.

Traditional styles of hand-made jewellery that are unique, like precious and semi-precious stones set in gold (kundan work) are in vogue, coloured enamel painting on gold (meenakari work) especially with a traditional 'peacock' pattern and gold filigree on coloured glass (thewa work).

Women from all walks of life - housewives, models, designers, students and even corporate women are turning to gold. Suvra Rani who made her foray in jewellery design couple of years ago says, "Women are completely driven by gold. Gold makes an Bangladeshi woman look far more dressed up and is casting its spell even internationally."

If you are also touched with yellow fever or you are a woman who loves flaunting her precious assets, then it's time glam up yourself with gold. As they say old is always gold; millions of women and men in Bangladesh still love their gold. Despite numerous attempts by the fashion mafia to sideline the metal, it has succeeded in regaining its lost glitter.