Main content

We explore gold's past, present and future and humanity’s obsession with it.

Throughout time our definition of what is valuable and what is rare changes. Yet as economies boom and bust and fashions come and go, one thing seems to remain both financially valuable and personally precious - gold.

Across three episodes for The Compass, we will explore gold's past, present and future and humanity’s obsession with it - from being worshipped in the ancient world, to changing immigration forever during the Gold Rush, and the part it plays in our jewellery, coinage, finance and medicine.

Presenting this programme is jewellery designer Rajvi Vora. As a third generation Kenyan of Indian origin, she understands the cultural importance of gold first hand, and takes us on a journey to discover more about this precious metal that continues to shape the world.

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 27 Jun 202110:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Wed 23 Jun 202101:32GMT
  • Wed 23 Jun 202108:06GMT
  • Wed 23 Jun 202112:32GMT
  • Wed 23 Jun 202119:06GMT
  • Sun 27 Jun 202110:32GMT

The Documentary Podcast

The Documentary Podcast

Hear more documentaries from the BBC World Service

Podcast