All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told
- William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Gold! Always believe in your soul
- Spandau Ballet, 'Gold'

Anyone who owns, has access to or has recently been within eyeshot of a television set couldn't fail to have noticed the current wave of adverts for companies asking you to send them your unwanted gold.

You know the score. Some fondly - and some would say, dimly - remembered television star imploring you to hunt down the side of the sofa or at the back of your cupboards for gold jewellery that you no longer want, to send to them for a valuation. Once they've received it they'll send you a cheque in the post. It couldn't be simpler, they claim.

But why the sudden interest in unwanted gold? Well, in the current climate it seems that gold is one of the few things that is still going up in value. So the cash-strapped may well have more chance of making moolah from their precious trinkets than the bricks and mortar around them. What do you think?

• In these straightened times, is wearing excessive amounts of jewellery the height of bad taste? Have you toned down the amount of jewellery you wear, or buy others, to avoid seeming decadent?

• And then there are the ethical implications. With reports that the trade in elicit gold is still financing arms in the most trouble-beset corners of the world, is gold a no-go area for you?

• Would you consider trying to make money by sending your gold through the post?

• Do you really think there are people out there with tonnes of gold going spare?

• And is gold just as desirable - and as safe an investment - as it ever was?

Over to you.