One of the first things I noticed about Greece was the plethora of jewellery stores, everywhere we went, (91 on the island of Mykonos, alone). Beautifully crafted workmanship, much of it in gold, ranging from 14 to 24 karats. Personally, I love the look of gold!
Ancient Greece had a rich history with gold, using it both as money and architectural decoration. The Parthenon in Athens also employed gold. Standing inside its sanctuary was a statue of the goddess Athena, almost 12 metres (40 feet) high, covered in gold and ivory – gold for her clothing, ivory for her flesh. It was removed by the Romans in the 5th century BC.
These gold artifacts were discovered in the ruins at Delphi:
When we visited the Island of Hydra, a beautiful gold ring caught my eye, but the price was prohibitive. The shopkeepers expect you to haggle with them and hubby, an Italian of Greek ancestry, is pretty good at that. The result? I now have a golden souvenir of Greece to call my own for half the listed price! It’s a replica of the legendary Phaistos Disc.
Whenever I wear this, the memories of our spectacular journey come flooding back.
It’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
Do you have any treasured mementos?
Looking forward to your comments!
#AtoZChallenge 2014: G is for GREEK GOLD| Share on X
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
34 thoughts on “#AtoZChallenge: “G” is for GREEK GOLD”
My engagement ring is based on a design we found in Greece. If I had have seen one like yours I probably would have haggled too…it’s stunning
That is a beautiful momento! Some of their gold is so soft looking, it’s almost more like fabric – just beautiful. I try to bring home a piece of art when I travel. And rocks (my R post!)
Hi Sammy; Yes, I’m thrilled with the ring and thankful for hubby’s bargaining skills! 😀 We also brought home some art and rocks. My favourite is a hand painted “Good Luck” stone from Santorini. 🙂
What a gorgeous ring! So glad you were able to get it for a reasonable price, and that you now have it as a beautiful memory of your trip.
I’m happy that hubby insisted on getting it. I balked because of the price and was so impressed by his bargaining skills! Must be in the genes. 😀 Thanks for visiting.
Absolutely beautiful, and fascinating at the same time! Great pics. 🙂 I knew that “G” would be your dynasty in the A to Z! Thanks for sharing, Debbie 🙂
There’s much more to come, Teresa. 🙂 The ancient gold adornments were fascinating! Thanks for visiting.
Woo, so pretty, I love it.
Rhi
Thanks Rhi. 🙂 It’s a wonderful memento of our trip.
Ah yes! Haggling, a way of life in the Mediterranean. It makes shopping so much more exciting, and everyone finishes happy–the shopkeeper just because of the haggling and the customer, because they are sure they got an excellent bargain. That ring is absolutely beautiful!
I’ve never been much good at haggling, but hubby sure is! Must be in the genes. 😀 The ring was a great bargain and a lifetime souvenir of a wonderful trip. Thanks for visiting.
It’s beautiful. I’ve never been to Greece, I hope to go someday.
Greece is amazing Linda! you would love it. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
I have never been to Greece, neither has Mom. Mom loved to go to the real Greek restaurants when we lived in Germany, great food.
Hi Emma; Oh yes, Greek food is delicious! I love seafood and they have an abundance of that. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Another golden post in every way, Debbie. You are a wonderful travel writer. I feel like I’m right there with you.
Thanks Cat! 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying these posts. Thanks for visiting.
These artifacts are fascinating …must have been quite an experience no?
Yes, the whole trip was incredible! 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
I love your ring and all the jewellery in your pics, but I m not too fond of wearing gold. Hell i m not too fond of jewellery, I just love to see it on other people 🙂
Not everyone likes to wear jewellery, it’s true. My husband doesn’t either, but he does give me some, on occasion. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
What a visual treat it was!!! Very exquisite and adorable!
Greek gold is something special. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
How wonderful to have such a helpful husband by your side when you spot those golden things! 🙂 Enjoyed reading about this Gold fascination of Ancient and Modern Greeks. Another similarity between Indians and Greeks 🙂
I didn’t realize that about India. Interesting! 🙂 Yes, hubby knows well how to bargain with people. Must be in the genes. 😉 Thanks for visiting.
Wow, that ring IS something 🙂 🙂 beautiful post 🙂
It’s a great reminder of our fabulous trip! 🙂 There’s something special about Greek gold. Thanks for visiting.
Wow! Love your gold ring! It is gorgeous and so are the artifacts at the museum! 🙂
Glad you like it Shilpa. 🙂 That ring is a constant reminder of our wonderful trip and I will always treasure it. There’s something special and unique about Greek gold. Thanks for visiting.
Yes I am sure it is exquisite. We often see gold from Greece come through our store. Heartwarming story and great pics.
Greek gold has a special something, doesn’t it, Carol? 🙂 I was amazed at how many stores sell jewellery there. Obviously, deeply ingrained in their culture. Thanks for visiting.
Debbie tks for the Greece-gold journey via your post and that ring is really something, very eye catching and a treasure 🙂
The ring is a beautiful souvenir of our trip and I’ll treasure it always. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.