Learn about how to invest in gold. It is not easy to get into this market, but with the proper information, it does not have to be hard either. Read this article to gain some knowledge about gold investments.
It is important to understand the type of scale your gold dealer uses. Some dealers use a Troy scale while others use a pennyweight. On a Troy scale, gold weighs 31.1 grams per ounce. A pennyweight equals 1.555 grams. In comparison, a US scale measures each ounce of gold at 28 grams.
When buying gold, it is best to buy in larger weights. The more the gold weighs, the less you will pay per ounce. Take your time when buying gold to be sure to shop around for the best price for the weight that you are intending to buy to be sure you are investing wisely.
Before attending a gold party, separate your jewelry by karat weight. Some buyers will try to weigh all of your pieces together, and then pay you based on the lowest karat weight among them. This amounts to less money in your pocket, meaning you have made an unfair sale.
Make sure the dealer you are considering is licensed. Make sure, too, that the dealer is active in reputable organizations within the industry. This is a business with a lot of sharks in it, so the more things that prove the legitimacy of the operation, the better it is for you.
Do not go to a pawn shop if you have gold to sell. You will not get as much for your gold as you would if you went to a gold dealer. A pawn shop will try to give you the minimum amount so they can make the maximum profit.
If you own gold or plan on buying some anytime soon, be sure to also invest in a good safe, unless you’re going to store it in the bank. Many financial institutions don’t insure their safe deposit boxes, so people tend to harbor gold at home. Get a solid safe, home security system and have the gold insured, for the safest keeping.
If you’re selling gold jewelry, make sure you know about karats. Pure gold is very soft, so it’s mixed with other metals for color and durability. The FTC or Federal Trade Commission requires that all sold U.S. gold jewelry must describe the alloy’s karat fineness. A single karat equals 1/24 of pure gold via weight. For instance, 14 karats jewelry is 14 parts gold and 10 parts different metals. Jewelry can’t be sold as “gold jewelry” if it’s less than 10 karats.
When selling gold, it pays to shop around. This includes checking with several dealers both locally and nationally. To get the most bang for your buck, ask what fees will be assessed during the sale. Just because a dealer is offering to pay more per ounce, does not always equate to more money in your pocket. This extra money can be ate up by fees and commissions.
Appraise jewelry before scrapping it. This is particularly true with pieces that have intricate details with considerable workmanship. The appraisal will give you the best idea as to the worth of your gold. Appraisers can also tip you off about interested parties concerning your jewelry.
Go into your gold selling knowing the current price of gold. This is a commodity that has a fluctuating price. Every day it’s something new. If you aren’t in the know, you could be taken advantage of by a less than reputable gold buying company. Remember, knowledge is the real power here. Go into any negotiation ready with it.
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.
You can often find a good price on gold by purchasing old gold jewelry from relatives. Get yourself an accurate scale that can weigh the jewelry so you know how much to offer your relatives and still make a profit from the deal.
One of the best ways to purchase gold coins and bullions is to purchase from the government. The government guarantees the weight, purity and content of all of their coins. You can visit your federal government’s mint or you can visit them online. You are able to purchase gold either way you choose.
Given that you now have more information about investing in gold, all you need to do is put it to work. Think about everything you have read, and work to apply the information to your own investments. Gold is a great way to fill out your portfolio to secure your future.
