Gold – How an Ancient Metal Became the Future of Bespoke Luxury

In the world of luxury design, gold is less a material than a statement.

It is the thing against which we measure the value of other things. It is unmistakeable in its appearance, and what it represents. Put another way, the material is the message – enriching virtually any design and presenting an aesthetic of undeniable prestige.

But while gold’s appeal remains unmoving, what can be done with it hasn’t. And as leading precious metal suppliers and additive manufacturers, we at Cookson Industrial are at the forefront of innovation in this space.

Evolving Elegance

Above: Cookson Industrial’s expertise in additive manufacturing and precious metal 3D printing unlocks gold’s design potential, in complex geometries and other intricate structures

As a material, gold has previously served as a punctuation mark, immediately elevating anything it is associated with to a new, rarified height.

But for those interested in high-end design, possessing gold is no longer the end-goal.

It’s for this reason that customisation has become a new frontier in luxury, and we are well-equipped to help navigate it. As tastes evolve and buyers increasingly expect exclusivity in their purchases, gold holds a unique allure. For those who want something that’s theirs and theirs alone, its combination of permanence and pliability make it an ideal medium for personalisation.

Elevation Through Personalisation

Gold’s physical characteristics lend well to luxury design. Its purity is unmatched in other materials., and its durability helps it retain its quality over time. It is also extremely versatile. Available in a range of karats and types – including rose and white gold – these variations allow designers greater space to fashion bespoke items that suit individual tastes. Whether its opulence and extravagance or understatement and refinement, gold can cater to all.

It is in this adaptability that gold’s true value can be seen. We have processed the material in many ways, from casting to engraving, printing to polishing. As a company that has worked with precious metals for over a century, we understand this. Since stepping into advanced manufacturing 15 years ago, the company has become a go-to partner for luxury brands looking for bespoke creations, embodied in the most glamourous of metals.

At our state-of-the-art facility in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, we put this combination of heritage and innovation into practice. Our expertise in additive manufacturing and precious metal 3D printing unlocks infinite possibilities. Creating complex geometries and intricate structures is undoubtedly difficult work, and otherwise impossible using traditional methods alone. But we can give luxury customers a broad selection of production options, with printing, casting and laser cutting all available under one roof.

Driving Luxury Onwards

Above: Cookson Industrial has over a century’s experience working with precious materials from its state-of-the-art facility in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter

This ability to cast, cut and coax precious metals into new forms has helped us establish ourselves among the world’s most discerning customers. Our collaboration with Bentley on its ultra-exclusive Batur – the most expensive production car the company had ever built – speaks to this.

For those with the means to purchase the Batur, luxury is expected and customisation is key. Elegantly implemented, gold provides a way to speak to an elite clientele, and this is why Bentley partnered with us to provide optional 3D-printed gold key driver touchpoints for its vehicle.

Every 3D gold part in the Batur has been digitally designed using CAD models before being printed on our SLM machines, before being meticulously hand-finished by our skilled jewellers. Subtle details such as the charisma dial, which serves as the centrepiece of the Batur’s cabin and complements the design of the car’s front grille, illustrates how the material can be used to elevate designs from luxurious to something beyond.

Holding Value, Shaping Desire

However, the appeal of gold exceeds aesthetics alone. As a material that holds its value, it has famously been a hedge against inflation. Indeed, many things are worth their weight in gold. Chief among them, gold itself.

There’s a reason for that saying. While its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, gold’s main strength lies in its ability to hold value over time as an investment. In uncertain markets, it offers stability. It doesn’t flinch when there’s a wobble, or when currencies lose their footing.

Combining this stability with the possibilities of personalisation can open new doors for those looking to customise their investments. Virtually any object can be made using gold, from the functional to the grandiose. But whether fashioned into cufflink or a pendant, the appeal of this level of personalisation shines through. This unique item is the customer’s and the customer’s alone, with all the value that entails.

Making Personalisation Possible

In precious metals, the delivery of something truly unique requires a deep level of craftsmanship and expertise. When it comes to gold, we are distinguished among our competitors, and our willingness to work closely with customers continues to appeal. While the latest crafting technologies helps bring a design to life, ongoing communication is what makes it truly possible.

Luxury has never been more visible. But in this visibility, something has been lost. Yet in individuality, customers can more easily stand out. With Cookson Industrial as a partner, gold can be redefined into an even more emphatic statement of quality. Whether as an investment or a statement, this is a material defined by possibility – effectively personalised, it can become more than a metal.

We can make this happen – contact us today.

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