Why are some of the Olympic medals made with jade inset, and some are solid gold?

Question

http://www.geekologie.com/2007/05/beijing_olympic_medals_unveile.php

Answer 1

you are looking at the back (or front, depends on how you see it) side of it, all medals are made with jade inserted at the other side (different colours and grade of jade).

The design of the back side are by the Olympic tradition,  can't be changed, and the other sides are white jade for gold medals, green jade for silver and dark jade for bronze.

Answer 2

None of the medals are made of solid gold, but all of them have a jade ring of varying color (depending on the medal).

Gold medal = mostly silver that is gold plated

Silver medal = mostly silver

Bronze medal = mostly bronze

EDIT:

"But I've seen pictures where they have the medals in their mouth and holding them up, and they look like solid gold, with no jade insets. Is it just like that on one side or something?"

Yes, only one side has the jade ring. The other side has the carvings/inscriptions.

Answer 3

All of the Olympic medals are made with the traditional metals and jade inset. The higher the medal standing, the higher the quality of the jade.

The medals "express praise and honor that the Chinese people cherish for the Olympic Spirit and the Olympic athletes.

"In his speech, Jiang Xiaoyu said the Beijing 2008 Games medals will be a major part of the Olympic legacy for China. The design of the medals is a result of hard work and enthusiasm of many people. The medals, he said, embody strong Chinese style and elegant art, and are a harmonious combination of the Chinese culture with the Olympism, making them a vehicle to spread the Olympic Spirit and the concepts of the Beijing Games, as well as to showcase Chinese culture and arts, and the high levels of design and technology."

Answer 4

they all have a Jade inset, but the Jade on the Gold medal is white....

Answer 5

One side is the front

the other side is the back

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lingyang/24...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lingyang/24...