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I recently read a post on social media claiming that young people are turning their backs on the precious metal and that only older generations like wearing gold.

Netizens commenting on the post reasoned that gold prices are currently too high. Just one tenth of a tael of gold (1 tael = 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces) already costs more than VND17 million (US$650), higher than a month’s salary for most young adults.

But I believe the reason goes deeper than just prices as many are still willing to borrow tens of millions of dong to buy watches, limited-edition sneakers or the latest smartphones.

I still remember how awkward I felt wearing gold to a wedding. My cousin was marrying the son of a fertilizer seller who was among the richest in the commune. At the time, everyone in my family urged one another to wear gold, so I put on bangles, necklaces, rings and bracelets totaling more than three taels of the metal. My aunts in their 60s and 70s were similarly sparkling in 24-carat gold.

But when we arrived at the groom’s house, I realized our family looked out of place next to his side. They wore jewelry too, but it was slim, tasteful and elegant. No one looked as if gold had been plastered onto their body.

From then on, I have always felt self-conscious wearing gold. That was when I understood why traditional large, chunky pieces can make many young people uncomfortable.

That said, claiming that young people do not like gold may be a hasty conclusion. Gen Z does not deny gold’s value as a form of savings. They are simply changing how they see it, how they use it and how they wear it. Many prefer modern designs that feel more personal and are easy to match with everyday outfits.

For them, jewelry has to “fit their taste” and “not make them look old,” rather than being about its weight in gold.

*This opinion was submitted by a reader. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match Read’ viewpoints.