This paper reviews extensively the nature and occurrence of platinum group elements (PGE) as inclusions in ancient gold artifacts. Their occurrence derives from placers as sources and the author collates geological evidence for the association of gold and PGE. The examination of specific artifacts which show inclusions is described and new results are reported on the diffusion of Pt/Ir grains added to molten gold. The possibility of correlation of source with the nature of these inclusions is discussed.