If you were to want to add gold to your investment portfolio today without lugging around gold bars, would you know how to do that? Do you know all of your options for investing in gold? To learn some basics so that you can get started with gold investing, keep reading.
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.
Do not assume that gold that is old, ugly, broken and unwearable is not eligible to be sold for a profit. The value of gold is not based on the attractiveness of the piece. It all depends on the weight of the gold, so feel free to bring in gold that is in any condition.
If you want to start investing in gold but don’t have much money to get started, think about buying scrap. Do this regularly over a certain length of time, and in 12 months or so, you would have accumulated a good amount. Keep the gold somewhere secure until you’re ready to sell it.
If you have an interest in gold and also want to start your own business on the side, combine the two passions. Collect scrap gold from various sources, like friends and classified ads, and learn how to treat and melt the pieces into pure or near-pure gold. You can easily find a buyer for your end-product and repeat the process!
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.
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 can easily test whether a gold piece of jewelry is real by using a simple magnet. Gold and other real precious metals aren’t attracted to magnets. Check the chain as well as the clasp for an accurate reading. The magnet test is an excellent way to find out.
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.
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.
Many people find purchasing gold stocks is a wise investment for their portfolio. When stock of companies lose value, the value of gold stocks rise so this provides some protection for their long term investments. Many investment counselors are now recommending inclusion of precious metal stocks in long term retirement accounts.
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.
If you are selling gold jewelry that is covered with other stones, never leave the gold dealer without those stones on you. Some shady dealers will try and pocket those gems so that they can sell them elsewhere. Even if you don’t hink they’re worth anything, it’s best to get them before leaving.
Understand fees and commissions when buying investment gold pieces. Most reputable dealers will charge between five and seven percent. You need to realize this cost incurred to make sure you are still getting a good deal on the pieces you are buying, based on their true value at the time of purchase.
This article has described some great strategies you need to know for gold investing. Surely you now feel more comfortable about investing in gold to help diversify your financial portfolio. Use the information that has been given to you so that you can plan and strategize in the right direction.
