Have you ever considered an investment in gold? Does the lure of this fabled metal call your name? If so, you may want to learn as much as you can about the market for gold before investing your hard-earned money. The following article will teach you some of the basics.
You need to know what a karat is. Gold is a soft metal so it must be combined with other metals for durability. Each karat, which is 1/24 pure gold, tells you how much gold is in the alloy compared to other metals. A piece that has less than 10 karats cannot legally be called gold.
The market price of gold fluctuates daily, and sometimes even more often than that. You ought to know the latest number prior to trying to sell. When selling gold, be sure that items of differing karat values are weighed separately. You should not sell jewelry as gold scraps if its worth is higher because of the brand or design.
When buying gold through a private sale, always test to make sure that the gold is real. There are many pieces of jewelry that are gold plated. In order to make sure you are buying the real deal, invest in a gold testing kit. They are not expensive and can save you from buying fools gold.
Do you have an allergy to nickel? If so, you are better off getting jewelry that has a higher gold content, like 18 or 22 karat gold. Items that have a higher gold content are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. You should also stay away from gold plated jewelry.
Steer clear of any “act now” offers. The gold industry is filled with less than reputable types that want you to take immediate action. Why? Because typically, they’ll get the better end of the deal because you didn’t read through the fine print. Instead, walk away from these types of deals and be patient in how you approach the market.
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.
Get multiple bids before deciding on the final offer that you’ll take. The logic is simple: every dealer will offer something different. You want the best possible price for your gold, so you owe it to yourself to get at the minimum three bids prior to a final decision. It can turn a good deal into a great one.
When you buy gold as an investment, you should consider how easy it will be to sell when you are ready. Common gold coins are relatively simple to sell. Rare gold coins and coins mostly traded outside the US can be more difficult to sell. Gold bars can be expensive and difficult to resell if you need to send them to a dealer.
Consider throwing a “gold” party in your home for friends and neighbors. Tupperware and Avon parties have been replaced by gold events hosted in many areas. Invite friends and colleagues to your home to have their gold items appraised for free by a reputable local appraiser. Once appraised, they can exchange the item for cash or decide to shop elsewhere. For your time and effort, the appraiser would pay you a commission based on the amount of gold that is sold. Look for appraisers who have direct experience with such events since they will have developed the skills needed to keep the mood light and comfortable.
Get a certificate of authenticity when buying gold jewelry. This is your proof that the piece you have purchased is real, consists of a certain karat count and has a specific value. This certificate can be used to authenticate your piece for resale or insurance purposes, should you need it.
When buying gold coins, always purchase the largest denomination available. Gold firms typically charge a premium on each coin to cover their advertising costs and provide a profit. By purchasing large denominations, and therefore fewer actual coins, you save yourself money by reducing the premium you pay to the dealer.
Do not immediately discount pawn shops as a place to sell your gold. They will often buy pieces that other stores do not want to buy because they are not always looking to buy simply to melt a piece down. You can also haggle prices in a pawn shop, meaning you might get a better deal than you expected.
Gold can be a very good investment, but you have to know what you are doing. Otherwise, you can end up losing all of your money. Be cautious and make good use of the tips you have read in this article. This way, you can enjoy a solid return on your investment.
