January 13th, 2022

Go For the Gold Tattoos

Stay gold.

We don’t want silver, we don’t want bronze—it’s all about going for the gold. Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and the atomic number 79. It’s a bright, soft, dense metal that belongs in group 11, along with copper and silver.

Gold is the earliest recorded metal used by humans. The oldest gold artifacts date back to approximately 4,600 BC Bulgaria and are referred to as Varna gold, as they were found in the Varna Necropolis. However, it’s believed that gold artifacts first began being made in Ancient Egypt during the pre-dynastic period. Gold is mentioned quite frequently throughout the Old Testament and is included as one of the gifts of the magi in the New Testament.

To this day, gold continues to be used worldwide. Gold has a great deal of symbolic meaning, particularly in indicating achievement. For example, the Olympics provides gold medals to first place winners, the Nobel Prize is made of gold and many coveted entertainment awards are gold plated. It’s of course, also used in jewelry and the government of Canada annually releases a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin.

In recent years, gold has become increasingly popular in tattooing. Gold is a tricky color and texture to replicate, however, many realism artists have mastered it. We’ve curated some of our favorite gold tattoos in the gallery below. Take a look at these tattoos and let us know your favorite tattoo from this list in the comments section on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattooist Harry (@harry_color)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattooist Harry (@harry_color)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattooist Harry (@harry_color)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dusi / 두시 (@dusi.2)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dusi / 두시 (@dusi.2)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dusi / 두시 (@dusi.2)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Martyna Frączek (@mf__tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Martyna Frączek (@mf__tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Martyna Frączek (@mf__tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jiro (@jiro_painter)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jiro (@jiro_painter)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jiro (@jiro_painter)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 이래 / (@tattooist_irae2)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 이래 / (@tattooist_irae2)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 이래 / (@tattooist_irae2)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Giahi Premium Tattoo (@giahi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by EUN (@ink.traveler)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by EUN (@ink.traveler)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by EUN (@ink.traveler)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattooist_Sida (@sida_ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattooist_Sida (@sida_ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tattooist_Sida (@sida_ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 핸콕 (@the.hancock.effect)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 핸콕 (@the.hancock.effect)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 핸콕 (@the.hancock.effect)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Yoana Tsvetkova (@bam_yoana_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fekete Dorina (@black.minimal.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fekete Dorina (@black.minimal.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fekete Dorina (@black.minimal.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GOLDSIDES (@goldsides)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NIUM_ttt (@nium_ttt)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NIUM_ttt (@nium_ttt)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NIUM_ttt (@nium_ttt)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Winnie (@winnie__waiyin)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dalmontt (@dalmontt)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kim Rangel ✨ (@la.kimm)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by STUDIOBYSOL_Solar (@tattooist_solar)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by STUDIOBYSOL_Solar (@tattooist_solar)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by STUDIOBYSOL_Solar (@tattooist_solar)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Martyna Frączek (@mf__tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Júlia Sincero (@jusincero)

Editor's Picks

Celebrities
Miley Cyrus Adds to Her Ink Collection

Miley Cyrus is back under the needle with a sleek new tattoo that’s subtle, stylish, and full of mystery.

Art
Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Release Inspires These Heartfelt ‘Ohana’ Tattoos

Celebrate the Lilo & Stitch live-action movie with tattoos that honor ‘ohana, nostalgia, and the beloved bond between family and mischief.

Events
Ink on the Riviera: Tattoos Take the Spotlight at Cannes 2025

Tattoos took the spotlight at Cannes 2025. From Rihanna to Kristen Stewart, these inked icons proved elegance and body art are a perfect match.

InkedMagCover