Gold plating
(Baonghean) - Counterfeit gold has been around for a long time, but it seems that the term of Chinese origin, "fake gold," has only recently been proudly and alluringly displayed on jewelry stalls. However, its true value has often been humiliated on the sidewalks where vendors sell it alongside dried beef or candied fruits.
Beauty is an instinctive need for all living creatures. For humans, it's also a social need; the pursuit of beauty extends beyond the individual to include the community. Returning to the topic of imitation gold, we first need to distinguish between imitation gold and real gold (like SJC, for example). Real gold has both aesthetic value and material value as an asset, even possessing special value in industry. Imitation gold, to put it bluntly, is a type of jewelry that bears the name of gold but isn't actually gold. It only plays the role of gold to enhance beauty and project an image of luxury. However, imitation gold is now much more "high-class." It's a type of inexpensive jewelry that's no longer limited to imitating gold; one can even own a diamond-studded necklace if they have just 50,000 dong in their wallet! Vietnamese gold, Western gold, "four nines" gold, 24k gold, amber, ruby, sapphire, even diamonds… In terms of style, there are bracelets, anklets, chains, bamboo tube chains with anchors, feng shui-inspired chains… everything is available, incredibly diverse.
Initially, costume jewelry was primarily for women who wanted to invest but lacked the capital. Now, its market segment has broadened; it can appear once and for all in fashion shows, readily participate in art competitions, sparkle at many weddings, and is especially a fashion treasure for fashion enthusiasts who are always up-to-date with the latest trends. Entering a costume jewelry store, you no longer only encounter the "poor," but instead, you'll be surrounded by a throng of wealthy women enthusiastically choosing, trying on, and even wearing this type of jewelry. Manufacturers have certainly had a keen eye for the times, hitting the mark on the psychology of not only the needs but also the capabilities of many people. This craft of producing and selling costume jewelry has undoubtedly created many wealthy individuals whose assets are actually worth a fortune! Selling counterfeit gold to acquire genuine gold—that is the talent, the goal, the life's calling for "a significant portion"!
Life is sometimes strange. Even a high-end necklace, like Italian gold, wouldn't be stolen from a scruffy street vendor because nobody would think it's real! Conversely, a cheap imitation necklace worn by a wealthy person is automatically considered genuine in the eyes of the public. They might even lavish praise on it, calling it unique, rare, or even "imported"!
So, the real is considered fake, and the fake is considered real. Thus, the street vendor remains safe with her real gold necklace, while that wealthy man remains unperturbed because even if robbers snatch it, he wouldn't mind losing those... imitation trinkets!
However, in society, there are also many people who "say no" to this kind of gold. It's not just the health risks associated with it being produced and imported from across the border, but also their personal philosophy. They readily declare, "I wouldn't use that kind even if it were given to me for free!" For them, the principle is to use what they have; if they're going to hang something, they'll hang it properly, and if they don't have it, they won't use anything... fake!
That's just what I know, what I've heard, and what I'm guessing!
While discussing what's called "imitation gold," I suddenly remembered a story from an acquaintance. My friend told me that his house is near a very rich and strong neighbor who is also very dishonest. Day after day, month after month, the old man keeps encroaching on his neighbor's property... Recently, he even planted a banana tree deep in his friend's garden. Yet, he keeps boasting about being a "golden friend"! Could this also be a kind of... imitation gold?
Nguyen Khac An
