3 Reasons Why Romani People Get Gold Teeth (4 Photos)

There was a time when gold crowns were the ultimate status symbol. A flash of precious metal in someone’s smile was a sure sign of success. While the trend has long faded into history for most, the Romani people remain fiercely loyal to it. Why do they continue to opt for gold dental crowns?





Romani folklore is rich with tales and legends of sudden, unexpected wealth. Yet this shouldn't be mistaken for a longing for idleness. In these stories, fortune is almost always granted as a reward for enduring hardship. They simply reflect a timeless human desire for a better life and positive change.

Charms That Bring Wealth

The Romani use various methods to attract prosperity—a trait shared by many cultures around the world. Since ancient times, they have believed in the power of talismans. Historically, many carried a small pouch called a putsi to store magical objects.



Inside these pouches were all sorts of items believed to possess special powers. For instance, a red bird feather was thought to bring wealth, as were specific gemstones like black opal, carbuncle, diamond, emerald, ruby, and moonstone.

Other lucky items included bits of squirrel fur, rabbit feet, lodestones, and silver coins. While some objects were inherently magical, others required a boost. A common ritual involved "charging" talismans under the moonlight, as the moon was seen as a symbol of silver and wealth.

A Passion for Gold

Unsurprisingly, gold holds a special place in Romani culture. An old saying goes, "Gold shines even in the mud." The Roma long believed that gold attracts gold like a magnet, and that even the smallest piece could bring good fortune. Consequently, gold jewelry has always been an integral part of their identity.





Historically, Romani women wore monisto—necklaces made of gold coins—and stitched coins into their traditional headscarves, known as diklo. Men favored heavy gold rings and earrings, carrying their coins in leather money belts. At taverns and fairs, men would often show off, comparing who had more gold on them.

Those who couldn't afford a small fortune kept at least a tiny piece of gold in their belt for good luck. Ethnographers attribute this habit of carrying wealth to the nomadic Romani lifestyle. Tents could not be locked, making it risky to leave valuables behind, and burying treasure was impractical for communities constantly on the move across vast distances.

A Safe Inside the Mouth

Gold teeth serve three purposes at once: they act as a magnet for wealth, serve as a status symbol, and provide a convenient way to keep one's gold close at hand. Remarkably, these crowns were rarely used as an emergency fund. Even in times of extreme hardship, removing gold teeth was considered taboo—only dire circumstances would force someone to part with them.



Dental issues aren't a prerequisite for getting gold crowns. It is not uncommon for individuals to cap perfectly healthy teeth just to carry this lucky charm everywhere. In some cases, even teenagers are given gold teeth, based on the belief that it’s never too early to start attracting good luck.