Does the gold market intrigue you? Everyday in the news, you hear reports about gold prices in relation to the business economy. But how does one make gold into a good investment? If you are looking for answers, this article may be able to introduce you to some key aspects of gold investing.
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.
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.
Watch out for “pop-up” buyers. These individuals travel from place to place, putting out advertisements that lure in sellers with the promise of a big payout. In many cases, these buyers then leave town without paying the sellers what they are owed. Always do your research on anyone you are planning to sell to.
You need to only sell your gold to buyers that are licensed. You have a greater likelihood of dealing with a reputable trader if you look for this certification. There are quite a few vendors that will purchase gold, so never go into it thinking you’ve got to sell your gold to the first seller you talk to.
Know what you are selling. For example, a 14 karat gold necklace may be worth by selling it as a necklace rather than selling it based on the selling price of gold. If you have a lot of broken jewelry, you may make more money selling it for the price of gold than selling it as jewelry.
Speak with professionals to learn different strategies to find the karat value of gold. In many cases, items are stamped. However, there are some times when there aren’t visible signs, so the reps have ways to determine it. An acid test is one of the least complex ways of doing so, so if the representative is using that test, they may be new to the business.
Have your gold weighed out in the open, in front of you. If a dealer wants to take your piece to the back of the store, beware. Some less than ethical dealers will use a bait and switch, or they will tell you the pieces weigh less than they actually do. This means less money in your pocket, and it amounts to an unfair deal.
Don’t just bring your gold to a buyer without knowing its true value, no matter how badly you are in need of cash. Calculate the value of your items based on purity and weight so that you have a good idea what the fair market value is. Only then should you bring your gold to a dealer.
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.
When you are strapped for cash, sell your gold. Anything containing gold can be sold. This includes bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry. Gold plated china, gold plated cups and even dental gold can be sold for extra cash. Additionally, broken jewelry, gold coins and gold bullions can also be sold to a gold dealer.
Know the gold market before selling or buying gold. Much like buying and selling stock, you should always buy low and sell high. The gold market varies daily just like the stock market, so it is important to follow the trends and sell your gold when it is at its highest sales price.
When buying gold jewelry as a gift for someone, consider the colors that they normally wear. While yellow gold remains popular and classic, gold is also available in white and rose. Sometimes these are better options for individuals who wear a lot of silver or have a lot of pink in their wardrobe.
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.
Investors around the world buy and sell gold everyday. Gold prices not only affect the price of gold jewelry, but they have direct relationship to the world economy. This article gave you a brief introduction to what the gold market involves. If you are serious about gold investing, use this information as a stepping stone into your personal education of this hot commodity.
