Gold Factory

We went to the Gold Factory Tour.  It was really neat to see how Black Hills gold was made.  I had no idea that the process was so intricate.  The lady that gave the tour was quick to assure us that all gold is gold and that they don't mine green and pink gold in the Black Hills.  Everyone laughed like they knew that already but you know they didn't.  I have wondered this for quite some time.    They buy the gold on the open market and mix it with copper to get the green color and silver to get the pink.  The style of grape leaves is what makes it Black Hills Gold.   Only four companies make Black Hills Gold and they may only carry the name if they are made in the Black Hills. 

The story behind Black Hills Gold is pretty unique too.  Henri LeBeau was a gold smith turned gold miner.  He got lost in the Black Hills and fell into a sleep.  In his dream he dreamed of a creek with grape vines growing on it.  When he awoke and crossed the next hill, he discovered a creek with wild grapes growing on the banks.  This effectively saved his life and this prospector returned to his original craft of making jewelry using the grape leaf as his design. 

The tour was very interesting but buying jewelry was far more fun:)  I don't have photos as they were not allowed in the factory but did come away with a couple of pieces of the Black Hills, so to speak!