5 Unusual uses of Gold
We are all aware that gold is used in coins and jewellery, and as bullion for investment. It is, of course, too used in dental fillings. There are, however, some stranger uses for gold, and in this piece we will explore the top five strangest examples.
1. Gold Pills
Although this is less of a ‘use’ and more of a statement, gold pills were invented by designer and artist duo, Ken Courtney and Tobias Wong, as part of a wider project, revolving around the concept of excess. The 425 dollar, 20mm pills were completely consumable, although not likely to cure any bodily ailment, other than ease a need for excess.
2. Alcohol
One of the other major products of an excessive consumerist environment, alcohol, too has received a gold injection. The popular cinnamon schnapps drink, Goldshlager, has become famous due to its small particles of gold foil that sit at the bottom of each bottle. Although these don’t add to the taste, they do contribute to the marketing of the product. There was a rumour that the gold flakes were there to scratch the consumers’ throats and stomach lining to hasten up the absorption process, but these were found to be entirely unfounded.
3. Eccentric Cupcake
Of course, you are unlikely to find gold in your average cupcake, but then your average cupcake doesn’t cost $28,000. Yes, you heard it right the first time, but for the sake of reassurance I shall say it again – a cupcake that is worth $28,000. It was made by Bloomsbury, in Abu Dhabi, and is known as the ‘Golden Phoenix’. I think it may be a step to far to be most people’s guilty pleasure.
4. Gold Cigar
Why not damage both your health and your bank balance simultaneously, with a 24-karat gold cigar? For just 79 euros, you can be the proud owner of one of Delafees’ specials. With Dominican tobacco, rolled within a real gold leaf, it is sure to be a special experience – if you like that kind of thing. You could alternatively set fire to 79 euros worth of bank notes, although bizarrely, in that case, you would be committing a crime.
5. A Golden Shirt
Despite a reported reduction in the consumption of gold in the world’s largest consumer, or, according to some reports, now the world’s second largest consumer, India, one man has recently decided to splash out £14,000 on a solid gold shirt. His reasoning: to make up for his lack of good lucks and attract the ladies. We wish him luck on his quest, although suggest that his £14,000 could probably be used in better ways.
Final Thoughts
Money does strange things to people, and a love, bordering on obsession, with gold appears to be one. It would take an entire book to explore, in depth, the reasons that gold is so popular, but love it or hate it, one thing is for sure; gold is here to stay.
1. Gold Pills
Although this is less of a ‘use’ and more of a statement, gold pills were invented by designer and artist duo, Ken Courtney and Tobias Wong, as part of a wider project, revolving around the concept of excess. The 425 dollar, 20mm pills were completely consumable, although not likely to cure any bodily ailment, other than ease a need for excess.
2. Alcohol
One of the other major products of an excessive consumerist environment, alcohol, too has received a gold injection. The popular cinnamon schnapps drink, Goldshlager, has become famous due to its small particles of gold foil that sit at the bottom of each bottle. Although these don’t add to the taste, they do contribute to the marketing of the product. There was a rumour that the gold flakes were there to scratch the consumers’ throats and stomach lining to hasten up the absorption process, but these were found to be entirely unfounded.
3. Eccentric Cupcake
Of course, you are unlikely to find gold in your average cupcake, but then your average cupcake doesn’t cost $28,000. Yes, you heard it right the first time, but for the sake of reassurance I shall say it again – a cupcake that is worth $28,000. It was made by Bloomsbury, in Abu Dhabi, and is known as the ‘Golden Phoenix’. I think it may be a step to far to be most people’s guilty pleasure.
4. Gold Cigar
Why not damage both your health and your bank balance simultaneously, with a 24-karat gold cigar? For just 79 euros, you can be the proud owner of one of Delafees’ specials. With Dominican tobacco, rolled within a real gold leaf, it is sure to be a special experience – if you like that kind of thing. You could alternatively set fire to 79 euros worth of bank notes, although bizarrely, in that case, you would be committing a crime.
5. A Golden ShirtDespite a reported reduction in the consumption of gold in the world’s largest consumer, or, according to some reports, now the world’s second largest consumer, India, one man has recently decided to splash out £14,000 on a solid gold shirt. His reasoning: to make up for his lack of good lucks and attract the ladies. We wish him luck on his quest, although suggest that his £14,000 could probably be used in better ways.
Final Thoughts
Money does strange things to people, and a love, bordering on obsession, with gold appears to be one. It would take an entire book to explore, in depth, the reasons that gold is so popular, but love it or hate it, one thing is for sure; gold is here to stay.
