Gold is something that is recognized by everyone as a precious metal. It has always been highly valued and used to trade for other valuable goods. We no longer use gold as money today but it is still as valued as it ever was. Here are some ways for you to get started in collecting gold today.
If you have a nice gold piece, consider selling it privately rather than through a gold purchasing agency or jewelry store. Many companies that are in business to buy gold will only buy it to melt and sell, meaning they will pay only for the weight of the gold. An individual who likes your piece might be willing to pay a higher price tag, because they are likely to keep and enjoy the piece.
Know what gold is currently selling for. While it’s convenient to just bring your gold to a shop, do a little internet research first to see what the range is. That way, you can go in knowing how much you can expect to receive. You will know if you are being lowballed.
Avoid gold coins that are being sold at flea markets and local pawn shops. They may seem like a great deal, but all that glitters is not gold. The coins may be counterfeit and/or they may have been cleaned to make them appear far more valuable than they actually are.
Understand how weighing gold works prior to going into a shop to sell or buy gold. There are lots of unfamiliar terms like troy ounces and penny weights. This can often fool the inexperienced into thinking they are getting a better deal than they really are. Don’t let that be you.
The price of gold tends to fluctuate over time. It is smart to buy when gold prices are very low and then hold on to it. Don’t panic and sell if the price goes up and comes back down. Investing in gold over a long period of time can really end up paying off.
Before taking your gold to sell, research the buyer. Most reputable dealers will be members of the American Numismatic Association. These dealers are held to a higher standard of ethics and must follow certain criteria when purchasing gold from individuals. To ensure you get the most money for your gold, make sure to use a dealer who is part of this association.
A cheap and quick way to test gold is to use a magnet. Precious metals, gold included, are not magnetic. Check the chain as well as the clasp for an accurate reading. Using a magnet is an excellent way to find this out.
The gold value of a piece of jewelry will never be equal to the amount you paid for it. That is because the gold is not pure and is diluted by alloys. The jewelry will need to be melted down to separate the gold from whatever other material it was mixed with.
If you are planning to sell at an expo, proceed with caution. Many expos advertise that they offer the best prices, twice as much as local jewelry stores, but this is not always true. These expos work on the premise of urgency, and they will disappear after one day of buying pieces. Make sure you know what your gold is worth before ever stepping foot inside one.
If you are interested in selling your gold, you may come across an advertisement stating that a buyer will be at a local hotel near you. In many cases, these people are interested in more than just gold, so if you have other items of value, you should be able to unload them as well. However, you won’t command a very high price for your gold from these individuals, and they will often try to pressure you into the sale.
When planning to purchase American Eagle gold coins, do not settle on the first price or seller you find. Instead, take advantage of a dealer location finding tool available on the website of the U.S. Mint. By identifying a variety of dealers and then researching their current prices, you can rest assured that you have gotten the very best deal possible.
Even though gold is often profitable, it is also equally volatile. Steer clear of this investment if you are easily stressed. Limiting your risk is important even if you have a great deal of strength. Only a small portion of your portfolio should be tied up in gold. Generally, about five percent is an ideal limit.
As you cam see, investing in gold can be a very wise decision if you know how to do it. Now you have a better idea of the value of gold and how to acquire it. Take what you have learned here and get started in investing in some gold of your own.
