| Gold has traditionally been a sign of rank and its | | | | discouraged from wearing it. However, these rules |
| use and possession was often restricted. In | | | | were not without exception. Clement of |
| Sumerian graves, only royalty were buried with | | | | Alexandria in the late 2nd century AD explains, |
| gold ornaments. Initially in Egypt the pharoah and | | | | "Allowances must sometimes be made in favor of |
| the gods owned all of the gold but the pharaohs | | | | those women who have not been fortunate in |
| dispersed gold pins in different shapes to | | | | falling in with chaste husbands, and who adorn |
| courageous officers. During the Bronze age in | | | | themselves in order to please their husbands." |
| Western Europe, gold was used to reinforce the | | | | From the 14th century sumptuary laws restricted |
| emerging institution of chieftainship. | | | | the wearing of gold jewelry in Europe to the |
| In early Roman times there were strict laws | | | | wealthier or noble sections of society. Also, from |
| governing who could wear gold rings and even | | | | the Middle Ages to the 18th century gifts of gold |
| high ranking families could own only limited | | | | chains traditionally rewarded loyal service to royal |
| amounts of gold. In the early Christian era gold | | | | courts. |
| was used for Church relics but people were | | | | |