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[/nobr]I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I haven't had a chance to update to you on my holiday this year. This year I was lucky enough to have two weeks off. The first five days were spent sitting with my Mother in the hospital in Louisiana. She broke her hip but is now in rehab and doing great. It is strange being out of touch with what is happening in the world, especially the jewelry world for the last two weeks or so. Today I decided to see what was happening with gold and was amazed to see that it has reached $877 per ounce.
Since it is a time for reflection, I thought it would be interesting to see what has happened to the gold price over the last couple of years. On January 4, 2005, gold was at $427.75 per ounce. On January 4, 2006 the price had risen 47% or to a price of $628.75 per ounce. WOW, what an increase. By December 30, 2007 it had risen to $833.75 per ounce or another 33% increase. That means since January of 2006 gold has increased 95% in price per ounce. Today, January 14, 2008, gold is at $877 per ounce or another percent.
Speaking of California Gold Rush, be sure to tune in on January 24 for the 21st annual show. It is all day and there will be over $35 Million in brand-new designs all on sale in celebration of this event. There will be 8 great looks for 2008. Stay tuned for more about this closer to the event.
California Gold Rush is celebrated on the date (January 24, 1848) that James W. Marshall discovered gold while building a saw mill in Coloma, California. When President Polk confirmed that the rumors of immense fortunes of gold in California were true, the human stampede began. The population of California is said to have grown from 15,000 in 1848 to over 100,000 in 1849.The miners were called Forty-Niners in reference to the year. Not only did many of the prospectors strike it rich but fortunes were also made by shopkeepers and traders. A loaf of bread was said to cost $25. Conditions were tough-beds were slabs of wood with pine needles for a mattress and blanket and shelter was either tents or shacks made of light materials.
Thank goodness today we can relive the excitement of the California Gold Rush through QVC and don't have to brave the elements. Where I come from, pine straw is used for mulch around plants, not for beds.
Have a wonderful, healthy happy New Year.
Peyton[nobr]