Gold has always been a prized possession. There are few things that have been treasured as much as gold. Gold is universally recognized as a valuable commodity and it often given as a token of affection. If you are looking to buy gold, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Changes in the current price of gold will affect the price you will get. If you choose to sell any gold, keep in mind that pieces that have different karat values need to be valued and weighed separately. Don’t sell jewelry that’s worth more than its melt value because of its designer origins.
Understanding how gold is weighed can ensure that you don’t get ripped off when selling your gold to a dealer. Gold can be weighed in Troy ounces, pennyweight, or grams. The most important thing is to make sure that whatever system the buyer is using to weigh your gold is the same one they’re calculating the payment with.
Be wary when buying gold from online precious metal dealers. There is a lot of fake gold for sale on the internet, so it pays be cautious when buying investment precious metals online. Many fake gold bullion bars are almost indistinguishable from real gold bullion bars, as many fake gold bars are coated with real gold despite the fact that their insides are fake.
When trying to determine if something is real gold or not, try holding it up to a magnet. Since true gold does not have any magnetic properties, it shouldn’t respond at all. If you observe any attraction between your “gold” and the magnet, you’ve probably been fooled or simply found a good imitation.
A fast, cheap way to test for gold’s authenticity is to use magnets. Precious metals do not respond to magnets. Check the chain as well as the clasp for an accurate reading. This is a smart idea to test it this way.
Check your local Better Business Bureau before purchasing or selling gold to a dealer. Your local Better Business Bureau will have a record of any complaints lodged about a company. By checking with your Better Business Bureau, you can ensure that you are selling or buying from a reputable dealer.
When looking to buy gold as an investment, it is important that you invest in solid gold. There are many phrases you should look out for such as “gold clad,” “gold enveloped” because these are just fancy words for gold plated. This means under the gold is a different metal, which drastically drives down the value.
If you are considering selling your gold to a pawn shop or second hand store, go with the pawn shop. Pawn shops have certain regulations they must abide by, and this protects you, the consumer. Second hand stores have no such regulations, which opens up the possibility of unethical practices.
Go into selling your gold with a realistic attitude. Some people think a few pieces are going to net them thousands of dollars, but realistically there are many factors in play. The items may not be pure gold, or they could even be plated. Consider an appraisal to understand what you really have.
Always identify the karat value of your jewelry when you walk into the store to sell it. Some dealers will try to convince their customers that the karat value of a piece is lower than it actually is, and this results in less money in the consumer’s pocket. Have a clear understanding of your piece’s actual weight so this doesn’t happen to you.
When buying gold jewelry online, make sure to get written confirmation of your delivery date before finalizing the deal. Ideally, delivery should take place in a very short period of time. If it will be delayed, find out why and for how long. This protects you as the consumer, and it gives you information that would stand up in court if necessary.
Consider the long-term value of gold as an investment, if you are in the financial position to do so. Rather than buying low and selling as soon as the price increases, hold onto your gold. Over the years your wealth will accumulate for retirement or give you something precious to leave to your children.
Do not sell your gold just because you can. Gold is something that tends to go up in price, and while it’s at an all-time high recently, chances are it’ll be worth even more down the line. The longer you hang on to your gold, the more you’ll make from it in the future.
Now that you know a bit more about buying gold, take what you have learned and start your gold collection today. You can start off small by just buying small, inexpensive pieces of jewelry to wear. You can also invest in gold coins or ingots. When it comes to investing in gold, there is a world of choices.
