This gold is 24K, quite soft, very yellow! And prized by Taiwanese for its value! You can see it flaunted at celebrations such as the traditional wedding banquet where the bride literally ‘drips’ gold. Usually, some of the gold is presented to them, some is kept as part of the family wealth, and some may be ‘loaned’ from relatives.
Christine received gold as part of her wedding present, some of which is included here. I have no idea how much this would be worth.
Western jewelery is prized for its aesthetic value as much as its intrinsic value, unlike heart jewelry, for example, treasured for its design value, its sentimental value, and its monetary value. Local jewelery tends to put a higher value *ahem* on its value as an asset. While some gold is wrought into special designs, the value is much more important than the craftsmanship, or so it seems to me.
If you are visiting the local jeweler’s store, have a little cash, it’s a good idea to buy a small memento of a very important part of Taiwanese culture. Who knows? You might even see it appreciate in value, too!