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The Diamond Works

History of Gold in South Africa

Diamond and gold discoveries played an imperative part in the development of the early South African history. The first recorded discovery of gold was to have been found on the banks of Witwatersrand by Jan Gerrit Bantjes in June 1886; a defining moment in South African history.

Gold, more so than diamonds; revolutionized South Africa from an agricultural society to become the largest gold-producer in the world. Later, more gold mines were discovered further south and east of South Africa, extending for miles underground resulting in ‘an endless treasure of gold’. Gold mining very quickly became the largest and most important part of the South African economy.

Throughout much of the early 20th century, the gold mining industry continued to grow significantly contributing to an overall economic tripling effect. In particular, revenue from gold exports provided sufficient capital, continuing to be a major contributor to the South African economy today.

Liquid of The Gods

Gold as a natural state can be described as gleaming yellow nuggets. Its malleability, natural beauty, scarcity and the ease at which it can be melted, brought into formation and measured, has made it a natural trading medium.
Gold is a rich and complex metal, recognized as the oldest metal known to man. Wars have been fought for it and love has been declared with it. Ancient Egyptians hieroglyphs portray gold as the brilliance of the sun, modern astronomers use mirrors coated with gold to capture images of the heavens.

At The Diamond Works, gold has remained one of the most appreciated metals in the hands of our skilled professionals. Through careful craftsmanship, The Diamond Works skilled experts emanate an experience that combines the heart, soul and authenticity of each bespoke piece of hand-crafted jewellery.

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