Gold has always been a prized possession and a valued commodity. It retains its value even in the toughest of economic times. It is prized for its value and for the beauty of it when worn. If you are looking to buy some gold, here are some tips to guide you.
Use caution when buying your gold. Make sure that you are buying from a reputable seller. You can learn who you can trust by searching the Better Business Bureau website and other resources like it. If you attempt to buy your gold through online actions, pay special attention to the seller’s history.
Know that the price of gold fluctuates on a daily basis, just like any other precious metal. What you think you may be getting could be quite different than what you actually get if you waited an extended period between price look up and selling. When selling gold, watch the market for a few days to see how it’s performing. This will help you choose the best day to sell.
You need to know what you have before you go to sell it. Higher karats equals higher gold density and more value. Buyers who do not have a good reputation may try to take advantage of sellers who don’t know exactly what they have. Twenty-four karat gold is almost pure gold so it is worth way more than fourteen karat gold.
Regardless of where you are selling your gold, you will be asked for your driver’s license or some other form of identification. Make sure you have it on you when you go to make the transaction. If you are preparing to sell and you don’t get asked for your ID, that should raise a big red flag.
If you have no idea what your gold might be worth, than an appraisal is a good idea. This may cost a small fee, however it is crucial if you want to know the true value of your item. Be sure to select an appraiser who is accredited and independent for a realistic appraisal. Understand that you probably will not get the full appraisal price when you sell your gold.
Be very careful when buying gold off of the Internet, you never know who it is you are actually dealing with. You may be thinking you are getting gold from a reputable dealer, and the person you are dealing with is a scam artist that is only after your financial information.
Do NOT sell your scrap gold or gold jewelery to a company wanting to do so through the mail. These types of operations pay less than pennies on the dollar and you will have no recourse once you receive your measly check from them. Visit a dealer in person, get a real evaluation and try to sell it to them.
Before going to a gold party, find out which company will be buying your jewelry. Research the company ahead of time by taking a look at their website and finding out how long they have been in business. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if they are on there or have any reviews.
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.
You should note that even if a whole piece of jewelry is not solid gold, the backs of earrings or clasps may be. Necklace clasps and bands to rings are usually real, too. Since these items are so small individually, it’s best to sell them together in a larger lot. That means they are collected into an assortment that can bring a better price together.
When it comes to selling gold jewelry, you should know exactly what it is that you are selling. Many pieces are worth more when they’re left as is rather than melted down. If your pieces come from famous makers or designer lines, they may carry more value for the buyer over what kind of gold they’re made of.
Know going into any gold buyer that you won’t get the current daily rate for the price of your gold. There are all sorts of fees that come into play that will affect your final return. The goal is to find a company that gives you the best deal out there. Do a little shopping before settling.
It is easy to see why gold has always been such a highly regarded possession. Its beauty and value stands the test of time. Hopefully, you have learned more about gold and how to buy it. So take what you have learned and get started on your very own gold collection today.
