If you are looking to invest in gold, then you need to realize that there is more to it than just the decision. With the right information, things don’t have to be complicated. However, you must pay attention to the advice in this article so that you can have a better grip on what it means to be a gold investor.
When searching for jewelry, you will probably want to know how many karats a particular piece has. The hallmark on a piece of jewelry will provide you with this information. For instance, say you purchase a ring that is 14 karat gold, the hallmark will say “14k”. The hallmark can be found on the inside of each piece.
Never feel too rushed when dealing with gold. These are highly involved purchases and sales. There’s lots of money on the table, so it’s important to be confident about your choices. If that means taking a few extra days to look into other options or to wait out a price fluctuation, then so be it.
If you have no idea what your gold might be worth, than an appraisal is a good idea. It costs a little, but the knowledge gained is valuable. Make sure that you get a truly realistic value from an appraiser that is accredited. If you decide to sell, be aware that it’s not likely for you to get full retail value of your item.
Be aware that any items containing gold can be sold to someone dealing in gold. Valuable gold can be made into anything that is now broken such as jewelry and any home items that could be around. Mixed metal items can be sold as well. It could be plated gold or it could be that just a portion of the item is made of gold. You can still get a good return on the sale.
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.
Try to determine the best type of gold for you to buy. Generally, the best types of gold to get are gold coins, bullion bars, or GoldMoney. Determining the type you want can help you see the amount of money you can set aside for buying and help you figure out why you’re buying it to begin with.
GoldMoney could be a good resource when you want to buy gold. It’s like a bank account for gold. You establish your account and deposit your money, and they assign you a certain amount of gold equivalent to the value of your initial deposit. Your gold sits in a vault until you decide what you wish to do with it next.
Make a commitment to yourself to get educated on gold. Know going in: only you are on your side. The buyers, no matter how reputable, want to get the best deal for themselves as possible. If you can’t speak the language, there’s a very good chance that you’ll lose in any sort of negotiation.
Do not assume because there is no stamp that a piece of gold is not real. There are many solid gold pieces out there that are not stamped at all. Try testing the gold in question with a magnet and if it does not stick, you probably have solid gold.
It is necessary to find a reputable dealer you can trust if you wish to purchase gold coins or bullion. Caution is required to avoid purchasing low quality gold from a scam artist. It can be extremely difficult to sell this gold at a later date and you will probably lose money.
Many jewelry shops will buy gold, and they are often the best places to go, as they generally pay a fair price. However, as gold parties and mail-in operations become more popular, these stores are starting to realize that they don’t have to pay as much money as they used to for the items. Get several quotes before making any decisions.
Doing some research into any potential gold buyer is a good way to both protect your interests and score a good deal. This is key if you are using mail-in services or buyers who are not local. Be sure to check the BBB for listings of reputable and reliable gold purchasers.
Keep in mind that most gold dealers are not interested in plated or gold filled pieces. They want the pieces to melt down, and they will only pay you based on the melt down value. Plated and gold filled pieces can’t really be melted down for any profit, so they will usually turn those pieces away.
If you are selling gold, bring your I.D. with you. This is a requirement via Federal law. If your gold buyer doesn’t ask for I.D., this is a major red flag that something may not be right. If this happens, stop the deal if at all possible. It’s in your best interest.
After having read this article, you surely feel a lot better about your decision to start investing in gold. Use the information that has been told to you so that you can make an initial investment. Continue learning more so that you can be in command of your portfolio and choices concerning gold.
