For many years, gold has been a secure vehicle of investment alongside naturally occurring diamonds. Gold ore is extracted in its natural state all over the world. Following mining, the gold is transferred to a refinery, where it is refined into various classes. Fair and balanced evaluators analyze the product for quality and brand it. Following marking, gold is held in bullion banks. Depending on market conditions, gold is then stored or traded by bullion banks. Spot trading, forwards, options, vaulting, and other services are provided by banks. Gold traders, goldsmiths, manufacturers, distributors, and central banks are typical customers of bullion banks.