Pointing out a third-century onyx, gold, enamel and pearl cameo, "Dionysus and Ariadne on Naxos, " Ms. Leopardi says it was most likely transformed into a hat pin or pendant in the 1500s after a gold mount was added.

WSJ: Museum Exhibit Review: Gems of the Medici at the Bowers Museum

Those buying and holding gold see the recent political bickering in the U.S. and European Union, unstable currency markets and flagging world economies as pointing them directly to what they perceive as the ultimate world currency: gold.

FORBES: Comex Gold Soars to Record High Above $1,722 as Traders Flee to Safe-Haven Assets