Back in 2021, the federal agents raided U.S. Private Vaults, a private vaulting and safe deposit box company located in Beverly Hills, CA under the suspicion that the owners of the company were involved in money laundering.
US Private Vaults had over 800 customers at the time, the vast majority were law abiding citizens that felt it necessary to use a secure storage facility to store their valubles.
More than $86 million dollars in cash and millions of dollars worth of jewelry and other valuable personal items were seized from the rightful owners, most who are innocent of any crimes or wrongdoing.
The government intends to keep the contents of more than 350 vaults, alleging that the money, precious metals, watches and other goods that they contained were the fruit of unspecified criminal activity without any proof.
Some others’ were rented by state-licensed marijuana dealers with limited access to banks due to federal regulations.
Benjamin Gluck, an attorney who represents some of the box owners believes it’s a money grab by the government, insisting that “the constitutional and moral bankruptcy of the U.S. attorney’s office by showing that they’re willing to give immunity to an admitted criminal so long as he doesn’t interfere with their illegal scheme to seize money from innocent box holders.”
The notion of wearable wealth has been around for centuries. There is ample evidence unearthed from the valley of the kings that gold was treasured by ancient royal families.
Gold earrings bearing the cartouche hallmark of pharaoh Seti II discovered in tomb KV56 in 1908, on display in the Cairo Museum.
Many artifacts made from gold have been discovered by archaeologists from ancients lost civilizations in all corners of the globe dating back thousands of years. From Ancient Egypt in North Africa, to the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas throughout Central and South America.
Even in the United States, relics recovered from various cultures that lived throughout the American Southwest have been found to have used refined gold for jewelry and various clothing adornments.
While common throughout Asia to own high karat gold jewelry as a store of wealth, the gold jewelry in the west is typically designed and sold as a fashion accessory and is often made from 10k, 14k or at best 18k gold.
Karat
Purity
10k
41.7%
14k
58.30%
18k
75%
22k
91.7%
Most common jewelry karats and their gold purity levels.
Investors today have a variety of low premium options when looking to buy 24k gold jewelry.
One of the first to make a splash with investors a few years ago was Mené. The company is a subsidiary of Goldmoney, Inc that was founded in 2017.
In order to help fuel their growth, the company provided investors with a variety of new customer discount codes and incentives that allowed some to buy gold close to melt value.
Mené still offers a variety of modern inspired fashion bracelets, rings, necklaces, chains and pendants crafted from 24k pure gold and platinum at a fixed premium that is around 30% above melt value. When shopping for investment-grade jewelry, Mené has a track record of being a dependable choice.
Nebü 24k Gold Jewelry
Traditional online bullion dealers now offer jewelry in a variety of karat and alloy blends.
Nebü Gold is an emerging company that creates beautiful 24k pure gold jewelry from ethically mined sources.
The jewelry collections consists of a variety of rings, pendants, cuffs and bracelets inspired by vulnerable and endangered species. Nebü pledges a percentage of proceeds towards environmental and endangered species conservation.
Nebu 24k Gold Bracelet
Gold jewelry from Nebü is available to buy through their website and a variety of online bullion dealers and other retailers including APMEX, Money Metals Exchange, Silver Gold Bull and MintBuilder in the United States. In South Africa, Nebu has partnered with The Scoin Shop.
Precious metals investors are often looking at ways to add more practical options to their physical gold holdings can find plenty of choices that are both fashionable and offered at a low premium over melt value.
SD24k Jewelry by SD Bullion
Notable online bullion dealer SD Bullion also now carries a variety of 24k gold jewelry available alongside other precious metals investments. The pieces in the collection are all crafted using .9999 fine gold that has been refined to 24 karat.
Some of the more popular products include religious pendants such as the 24k gold cross, various bangle cuffs like the twisted barbed-wire bracelet, and the spiral double gold orb ring.
Twenty-four karat investment jewelry is a way to continue to stack gold in a discrete way that is completely wearable and practical for storing wealth.
Gold is often alloyed with other metals to provide strength, rigidity and durability because 24k gold is very malleable. Investors who intend to wear this jewelry should exercise some care to prevent scratches, dings and other wear and tear.
Precious metals like gold, silver and platinum are a good store of wealth and value. They provide a way for those with the means to store a wealth away from traditional fiat currency.
Buying and investing in gold coins or silver bars is a good way to do store wealth, but not always practical for everyone or every situation. Some choose a wearable wealth as an alternative option.
What is wearable wealth?
Buying and investing in wearable wealth follows the notion that if you don’t hold it, you don’t own it. It’s a way of converting precious metals like gold, silver and platinum into something that is wearable, transportable and concealable. It can take the form of jewelry or other objects that can be worn on the body.
Not all jewelry can be considered wearable wealth. Karat gold, such as 10k, 14k or 18k gold has an extremely high retail markup. The markup can sometimes be as high as 500% over the retail value of the gold. Traditional gold karat jewelry is not practical as a store of wealth if you lose a tremendous amount of value when you buy it.
Higher karat gold, such as 22k or 24k is a better alternative. The concept of having wearable wealth in 22k or 24k gold is not new. The idea has existed for centuries among the wealthy and elite.
In countries like India, gold has long been seen as an indicator of wealth. There is a cultural aspect to it. For many generations gold has been accumulated by wealthy families and passed down through families. Gold is considered as a way to stay financially secure. It is fairly common for the wealthy in India to hold as much as 20 percent of their net worth in gold.
The gifts primarily takes the form of jewelry. It is still very common in parts of India to give gifts of gold chains and rings to the groom’s family during a wedding celebration. The groom’s family will also gift gold jewelry to the bride.
The jewelry is often high purity karat gold in 22k. Twenty-Two karat gold is 91.6% pure gold which makes it suitable as an investment. Having an alloy of 8.4% of other metals provides some additional strength and hardness.
How can wearable wealth be used as a store of value?
The most common wearable wealth today still takes the form of jewelry. In today’s precious metals markets it is possible to find 24k gold shaped and formed into jewelry and other everyday objects.
Traditional 14k or 18k gold jewelry that is sold through retail jewelers at a high markup. This is not the case with 22k or 24k jewelry. High purity gold jewelry can be purchase through traditional bullion dealers at a much lower markup and at a low premium. The premium on 24 karat gold jewelry is often similar to those found on gold coins and gold bars.
Online bullion dealers offer a variety of jewelry items that are made from 24 karat gold. 24 karat gold bracelets, such as those offered by Money Metals Exchange can be bought for around 10% over the current gold spot price. This is a premium markup that can be found in gold coins, which is far less than those found with retail jewelry.
Benefits of Wearable Wealth
Wearable wealth comes with a variety of benefits. When you buy wearable wealth you are taking fiat currency and putting it into a physical asset that has value in virtually any currency. Having wearable wealth in the form of jewelry allows you to easily travel with assets.
If an emergency arises while you are traveling and you need quick access to cash, converting 24 karat jewelry into local fiat currency is often as easy as a quick stop at a reputable jewelry store, pawn shop or precious metals buyer.
For example, a situation could arise while you are traveling in a foreign country and you accidentally lose your wallet that contains your credit cards and cash on hand. Getting replacement credit cards could take days or longer. How do you survive in the meantime? If you’re traveling with a couple of 24k gold bracelets a quick stop at a local jeweler that buys precious metals and you can have enough cash on hand to get by until your replacement credit cards arrive.
Wearable wealth often takes the form of jewelry. When you are traveling internationally personal jewelry that is worn or carried may be considered exempt from customs declarations. This depends on the country and circumstances so it’s best to verify each country’s requirements before you travel.
In many cases, airport security agents may not notice or pay any attention to gold jewelry like they would if you were carrying cash, coins or bullion.
Not only does this make gold bullion jewelry easily transportable but it is also easily concealable in plain site. The jewelry can easily be worn, whether it takes the form of a necklace, bracelet, broach, hair clip or a button on your shirt.
When traveling in foreign countries it is good to know that you have some peace of mind in the event something happens.
Growing Popularity of Wearable Wealth
Along with the economic growth over the past few years investors are looking for ways to preserve wealth and hold onto their investment gains. Precious metals have long been considered a safe haven investment.
As investors become more savvy they are looking for alternative approaches to wealth preservation. Converting fiat currency into wearable wealth has become quite popular in recent years. Numerous companies have sprung up over the past few years to capitalize on this trend. One such company is Mené which creates contemporary jewelry and gifts in both 24k gold and platinum.
Their offerings include products for both women and men. In addition to traditional jewelry items such as rings, chains, bracelets and charms, Mené also has some unique products that can be discreet and concealable forms of wearable wealth.
Such as 24k gold men’s cufflinks that have a combined weight of 37.15 grams or roughly 1.2 troy ounces. They are stylish, functional and have the added benefit of being made from 24k gold or platinum. If the gold color feels too flashy they are also available in 24k platinum which has a fineness of .995.
Other offerings include buttons made from 24k gold or platinum. Buttons like these could easily be sewn onto a shirt and worn daily. The buttons come in two different sizes, one with a 22mm dimension that weighs 16.74 grams or roughly .54 troy ounces. The other is slightly smaller at 15mm with a weight of 6.895 grams or roughly .22 troy ounces.
These buttons certainly have some weight to them compared to modern plastic buttons. However, that weight also provides the peace of mind that having wearable wealth can provide. Gold buttons seem a little flashy on most dress shirts and might easily stand out to would be pickpockets or thieves. These buttons could easily be concealed by coating with some paint or lacquer.
In the event you need to exchange a few gold buttons for some local fiat the lacquer or paint could easily be removed with acetone or other paint removers leaving behind the .999 fine gold buttons. A standard dress shirt with 10 buttons could easily accommodate over 170 grams of gold which is roughly 5.5 troy ounces. It would be hard to conceal that much pure gold in plain site any other way.
Gold has been used as currency and a store of wealth for thousands of years. Some choose to invest in gold coins and bars while others have begun storing wealth in 24k gold jewelry.
The old saying “If you don’t hold you, you don’t own it” certainly applies to precious metals and wealth. Accumulating precious metals is an excellent store of wealth that can assure financial stability.
However, gold coins and bars can be subject to certain restrictions as a monetary instrument while traveling or moving internationally. Customs and border agents receiving training in identifying gold coins and bars as a way of concealing wealth. Typically, gold jewelry can be worn or packed in a carry-on bag and goes largely unnoticed.
Common gold jewelry is often an alloy of gold and other metals with a high retail markup that makes it ineffective as a store of wealth. However, there is a growing trend with 24k gold jewelry that you can buy with a relatively low premium. Because it’s pure gold, 24 karat gold jewelry holds its value relative to gold spot price.
Difference Between 24K (Pure Gold) and 18/14K Gold
Karat gold is measured in karats. Pure gold consists of 24 karat. This means that all 24 out of 24 parts of the metal are pure gold (99.9% pure gold). There is no higher form of gold than 24 K that can be called pure gold. Without traces of any other metals, pure gold will not tarnish or decay, keeping its luster forever. Therefore, 24K gold can be called “Eternal Gold”.
18 K gold is 75 percent gold mixed or alloyed with other metals such as silver or copper. 14K gold contains 58% gold alloyed with 42% silver or copper. 10K gold is 42% gold mixed with 58% of other metals.
24k Gold Jewelry is Wearable Wealth
Using 24k gold jewelry as a store of wealth has benefits over traditional precious metals investments such as coins and bars.
During in the Great Depression, on April 5, 1933, then President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 6102 which made it illegal for citizens of the United States to hoard gold coins, gold bullion and gold certificates.
The rationale behind the Executive Order was that by hoarding precious metals people were stalling economic growth and making the depression worse. Ownership of gold coins and bars continued until the order was repealed in 1974.
While it’s unlikely to occur again, the thought of possible gold confiscation by the Federal government has historical basis and could happen again during trying economic times.
Some items, such as numismatic coins and jewelry, were exempted from the ban on gold ownership.
Traveling with 24k Gold Jewelry
To travel with more than $10,000 in cash you must legally declare it ahead of time. If properly declared, it is not illegal to carry large amounts of cash when traveling. However, carrying large amounts of cash does open you up to unnecessary scrutiny by customs and TSA officials who may become suspicious which could lead to seizure.
Wearable wealth in the form of 24k gold jewelry is relatively easy to conceal while traveling. Numerous options exist, such as fashionable bracelets that contain 1 troy ounce of pure gold. These 24 karat gold bracelets can be bought for a small premium over the gold spot price. The premium is similar to those on government issued bullion coins like the American Gold Eagle or Canadian Gold Maple Leaf which makes them an excellent investment alternative to traditional coins.
Besides gold bracelets, many online bullion dealers have begun to carry 24k gold necklaces, rings and other items that can go unnoticed while traveling. Some online bullion dealers also carry accessory items, such as buttons that can easily be sewn onto shirts or scarf rings that are simple to wear.
Storing wealth in 24k gold jewelry will make traveling and transporting some of your assets simpler and easier, and it can always be accessed in times of need.
And since it’s gold, it can also be an insurance policy while you’re traveling in the event you need money. It can be sold much more easily and at a better price than costume jewelry.
For centuries, gold has been prized and cherished for it’s luster and rarity. Gold has been used as currency for thousands of years. It has been melted, carved and poured into objects of desire. Gold jewelry has been produced for hundreds of years as a symbol of wealth. Gold has value.
So it makes sense that if you’re buying going jewelry you want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. You want your investments to hold their value.
Purity of Gold Jewelry
Most common gold jewelry is made of 14k or 18k gold, which is a gold-alloy that is mixed with other metals to give it more durability and to reduce the cost. However, when purchasing gold jewelry at retail the prices that jewelers command is often several multiples above the intrinsic value of the metals.
For example, a simple 14k gold bracelet might weigh 3 grams and cost $200. The purity of 14k gold is only 58.83% gold. The remaining 41.17% is a mix of other metals.
The spot price of gold being around $41 per gram for pure .999 24k fine gold, the value per gram of 14k gold would be around $24 per gram. So the intrinsic value of a 3 gram 14k gold bracelet is only around $72. Yet has a retail price of almost three times the intrinsic value of the gold.
24k Investment Grade Jewelry
There are a variety of companies today producing jewelry in 24k gold that is meant as a store of wealth. There are products, such as 1 troy ounce 24k gold bracelet that can be purchased for around a 10% premium over spot price. For comparison, the average dealer premium for a Random Year 1 oz Gold American Eagle Coin is typically around 5%.
Other companies, such as Mené, Auvere, Gold Without Borders and others offer jewelry that is more fashion focused but still produced using 24k or 22k gold. Gold jewelry that is produced in 24k gold is very suitable as a store of wealth.
Why 24k Gold Jewelry as a Store of Wealth?
There is a lot of growing financial uncertainty in economies around the globe. The use of gold jewelry as a store of wealth has been common practice for thousands of years.
Having 24k gold jewelry as a store of wealth is a portable and easily concealable way of moving wealth with you without having to carry large amounts of cash.
It would be easy to travel with several 1 troy ounce 24k gold bracelets tucked neatly under your shirt sleeve that would be virtually unnoticeable, or even having a shirt with 24k gold buttons which could be easily traded for local currency once you reach your destination.
Anyone crossing international borders is required to declare any financial instruments valued at over $10,000. Jewelry made from 24k gold isn’t a financial instrument and in most cases does not need to be declared when traveling internationally. It’s very easy for an individual to carry more than $10,000 worth of 24k gold jewelry while traveling.
Just as with other forms of precious metals, such as coins, bars and rounds, investing in 24k gold jewelry makes practical sense. Jewelry made from 24k gold makes an excellent store of wealth. The value of the jewelry is not diluted by outrageous retail markups and the use of alloys to reduce the purity.
The “Trap Coin”, designed and sculpted by Roman Booteen is a uniquely designed and carefully crafted “Hobo Nickel” in 2017. The coin’s unique spring loaded finger trap contraption has caught the attention of coin collectors and art collectors and many more.
The coin sold at auction for over $10,000 and The Heads or Tails Coin Company purchased the rights to reproduce the design, complete with the fully functional trap mechanism. The reproduction trap coin is now available for purchase. The reproduction is limited to only 999 replica coins.
The coin’s bezel, jaws and trap are cast from .925 Sterling Silver. The obverse of the coin features a Morgan Dollar that has been domed to hide the mechanism of the trap.
The reverse features a Mexican Dos Peso Gold Coin and the spring-loaded trap.
Trap Coin-Features:
Authorized reproduction of Roman Booteen’s original Trap Coin produced by Heads or Tails Coins & Collectibles
Unique and fully functional trap mechanism
Bezel, Jaws & Trap cast from 20 grams of 925 silver
Limited to ONLY 999 replicas
Individually laser-etched with serial number
The coin arrives in a collector’s box with its certificate of authenticity
Bas-relief sculpture on a hobo nickel
Includes an original Morgan Dollar
Consists of the original Dos Pesos .0482 troy ounce gold coin
Design Highlights:
Unique and carefully crafted sculpting and functionality
Obverse: A domed Morgan Dollar, highlighting the iconic bald eagle
Reverse: 1945 Gold Dos Peso Coin, surrounded by a spring-loaded finger trap
The trap opens and becomes a part of the border work
Around the circumference of the coin, there is an inscription by Sir Walter Scott reads, “AURUM MULTO MAGIS ANIMAS PERDIDIT QUAM FERRUM CORPORA CECIDIT. “- Definition of the Inscription: “Gold has killed more souls than iron.”
The “Trap coin” makes an excellent gift for any coin or precious metals enthusiast, investor or collector.
During the holiday’s many people give the gift of jewelry to their loved ones. Fine jewelry is typically made of allows of gold, platinum or silver and often carries a very high premium over spot price when factoring in the purity and weights. Bullion jewelry is a smarter choice for anyone interested in wealth preservation.
Setting aside the cost of design and manufacturing of jewelry products, the cost of the precious metals used to make jewelry is still a commodity. And when the karat or purity of the precious metal is diluted with other alloys it further commoditizes the jewelry.
Investment grade jewelry is fine jewelry that is manufactured with higher purity metals, up to .999 fine gold or 24 karat. Investment grade jewelry holds it’s value much better than alloy jewelry and not only makes a great holiday gift for your loved ones, but provides for a better investment.
Major online bullion dealers provide a variety of investment quality bullion jewelry. There are a number of products available in 22 karat and 24 karat gold that can be bought with a low premium over spot price that have a similar cost to traditional 14k or 18k gold jewelry products purchased through typical retail environments.
Buying 24k gold jewelry for investment purposes has become quite popular. So popular, in fact, that several companies specializing in high purity 24 karat .999 fine gold jewelry exist to fulfill the demand.
What are the benefits of buying investment grade bullion jewelry?
Other reasons why Bullion Jewelry has become a popular investment options for discerning buyers.
It is a portable store of wealth. Bullion investment jewelry can be transported and carried easily and often discretely.
It makes it easier to give your loved ones a gift of wealth that is more straight-forward than traditional inheritance or transfer of wealth.
Gold bullion jewelry carries much lower premiums than traditional jewelry.
It can afford you more privacy and reduced reporting complexity with regard to tax reporting.
Gold bullion jewelry is an asset that you can hold yourself, entirely outside of the regular banking system.
The value of the jewelry will follow the price of gold. As the price of gold rises the value of your jewelry will increase as well.
Where Can I Buy Bullion Jewelry?
One popular company, Menē, has established itself as a market leader in 24 karat jewelry. They produce their own product lines that include 24k gold charms, rings, chains and other speciality items designed to be a vehicle for investing in precious metals while being able to enjoy the luster of wearable jewelry.
Another company, Auvere, is focused on the fashion aspects of gold jewelry with the side benefit of wealth preservation.
Investment grade bullion jewelry can also be purchased from a variety of trusted and reputable online bullion dealers such as APMEX, Money Metals Exchange, Silver Gold Bull and Bullion Exchanges.
One of the most popular bullion jewelry item during the holiday season has been a 1 troy ounce 24k gold wearable bracelet from Money Metals Exchange. The bracelet is 8 1/2 inches long and comes in a natural yellow gold color with a hammered finish. The premium over gold spot price for the bracelet is comparable to buying a 1 oz American Gold Eagle coin.
