A precious metal — such as gold, silver or bronze — is often associated with elegance, rarity and value. A medal, like the kind bestowed upon champions during the Summer Games in Rio (which kicks off today), is just as precious. To the athletes, they are also priceless. A medal represents honor, glory, prestige and national pride. It is a reminder of their hard work, determination and sacrifice.
History
The first Games medals were awarded in 1896 in Athens, Greece; and believe it or not, there was no gold medal! The first-place winner was given a silver medal and an olive tree branch. Second place winner received a copper medal, and third place received a bronze medal. The 1900 Games departed from that format, giving most winners cups or trophies. It wasn’t until the 1904 Games, hosted by the United States in St. Louis, that great medal tradition as we know it — gold, silver and bronze — was born.
Precious Metals in Luxury Homes
When a precious metal adorns a home, it conveys a similar sense of luxury and prestige. The following collection of residences, marketed by the Coldwell Banker Previews International program, reveal just how far metals (or medals) can go in elevating an interior space to winning status.
Gold
91 N Woodland St
Englewood, NJ 07631
$19,500,000 USD
The rich gold moldings and carvings that grace the dramatic entry and double staircase in this opulent New Jersey mansion is one of many lavish details that once caught the attention of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”
7413 Fisher Island Dr
Fisher Island, FL 33109
$21,000,000 USD
Another golden moment — this time on Miami’s Fisher Island. The hand-painted walls and ceiling murals adorning this residential “work of art” are nothing short of divine. The views are winning too.
Silver
2661 Victoria Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
$19,995,000 USD
From the gorgeous lighting and marble to metallic furnishings, the high gloss state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen in this Laguna Beach contemporary offers just the perfect amount of flash.
9374 Beverly Crest Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
$12,950,000 USD
The sleek and cool metallic silver tones of the fireplace in this living room in Beverly Hills plays off the sparkling lights of the city views.
Bronze
1904 Bayshore Drive
Flower Mound, TX 75022
$13,900,000 USD
The warm, bronzed tones captured in the custom details, hand-painted murals and mosaics in this ornately styled residence in Flower Mound, Texas are reminiscent of the grand Italian palazzos.
6684 E Cactus Wren Road
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
$5,900,000 USD
They call this Arizona masterpiece “The Jewel of Judson” for a reason. This priceless gem impresses with bronzy artisan ceilings and walls, Corinthian columns and multiple groin vaults among other magnificent architectural feats.
