Gold and silver are precious metals, which have few reserves in nature, and have the advantages of acid resistance, alkali resistance, corrosion resistance, luster and great ductility, so they have been monopolized by the ruling class in past dynasties.

A string of gold necklaces unearthed from Li's tomb in the suburbs of Sui Dynasty is made of 28 gold beads inlaid with precious stones, and its craftsmanship is extremely high. The gold bracelets, high-legged gold cups, headdresses, golden flowers and various silverware articles unearthed in the same tomb are exquisitely carved and skilled, reflecting the high precision of gold and silver in the Sui Dynasty.