Hi @drdave,
Its me again :P

erratum:

heavier than most all metals, and nearly indestructible

That statement is not true as far as I know!

First, here is a reference: It is the most malleable and ductile metal; 1 ounce (28 g) of gold can be beaten out to 300 square feet. It is a soft metal and is usually alloyed to give it more strength. ... Gold is usually alloyed in jewellery to give it more strength, and the term carat describes the amount of gold present (24 carats is pure gold) Source

Second, I come from a country where people value gold and they buy it as a future asset because its worth will never die. I have seen 24 carats gold jeweleries. They are too light and very malleable, even a weak person can mold it (at least distort its shape) easily.

Reading your post was surprising and funny at the same time. The reason is that I was thinking today how all women in my country are prompted to buy gold (if they can afford it) or ask for it as a marriage gifts (from a rich husband if can be found). It was always considered like a future insurance policy in case the man treats her bad (which is almost always the case).

I was wondering why the tradition died after my mother's generation.

Now we tend to favor fake and sparky jeweleries (Swarovisky!) and fake money (Cryptocurrency as well as fiat).

I admit, I never had liking to pure gold, so I gave all gifts that I received from my late father to my mother and siblings. Poor taste and poorer intelligence from my side!