We developed a straightforward synthesis of gold nanoparticles with diameters in the range 2.1-7.0 nm which display solubility in both aqueous and nonpolar (toluene, chloroform) media. This versatile solubility of the nanoparticles is achieved by the use of a thiolated PEG capping agent. Their plasmon resonance band is virtually unaltered in different media.