The oldest metal known in this world is the gold. It came into use in 5000 B.C. There are so much to say about gold. It is possible to compare its value with only its own value. As in many languages, gold does not only have physical meaning in Turkish but also symbolizes beauty, goodness and wealth. The most common utterance used about gold in Turkish is "He has a heart of gold." Gold, beginning from its usage as money, is also used in making necklaces, bracelets, for the decoration of clothes (sim), and in frescos and tiles. In Jewellery in Turkey, Antalya has been the center after Istanbul in the last 5 years. There are 4 large jewellery factories and more than 1000 jewellery shops which attract attention with the quality and richness of their designs which improve day by day.
Because labour is cheap in Antalya, it is in competition with the other markets.
GOLD
The carat used in gold in Turkey is 24/18/14. The carat of gold is stamped on all the gold products. The alloys of gold with other metals increases its degree of hardness. Copper+gold form red gold; silver+gold form yellow gold, platinum+gold form white gold. Pendants and other gold products obtained from these combinations of gold have been rather famous. The most important hand made gold work, which is not found in any other country in the world, is "Trabzon Produced" bracelets and pendants. This wonder of jewellery, which is woven like cloth is produced in the Blaksea region in Turkey, especially in Trabzon (it gets its name from this city) where it was first produced. In Turkey gold is preferred without stones.
SILVER
In Turkey, silver work was started during the Selcuk and the Ottaman periods as an alternative to gold in bracelet, ring, pendant...etc. production. Silver has a very important place in the Turkoman (nomad) culture. The silver ornament worn on the forehead, (which is made by using silver coins), silver rings and silver pendants with agate are different types. Silver bracelets, pendants, and rings are sold in several shops in Antalya.
