Covering the use and development of gold as jewellery throughout human civilisations, this wide-ranging history moves from early ages in the Balkans, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, through to the end of the Bronze Age in Europe. The influence of jewellery on trade between East, West, and South America is discussed, as is the trade's influence on the jewellery itself. Finally, modern metalwork during the European Renaissance, the Victorian Era in Britain, 19th century Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and post-World War II design complete the presentation of jewellery from its inception to the present day.