Gold is truly a precious metal. Since its discovery in ancient civilizations, it has been treasured by people. If you want to make an investment in gold, these tips will be of help.

Do not sell your gold without first knowing what it is currently worth. If you choose to sell gold items, those with differing karat designations ought to be weighed on their own. Never sell any jewelry as gold scraps that’s worth more than the gold itself due to the designer.

If you wish to enter the gold market but don’t have tons of capital, try buying scrap. Do this regularly over a certain length of time, and in 12 months or so, you would have accumulated a good amount. Make sure you have a safe place to keep your gold (a safe deposit box is ideal) while you’re collecting it.

Get your jewelry appraised. This requires a bit of an investment, but it is worthwhile. Make sure that you get a truly realistic value from an appraiser that is accredited. If you choose to sell your piece, know that you probably are not going to get the full appraisal amount.

Before selling your old and broken gold items for cash, make it a point to visit at least 3 or 4 buyers. All stores won’t pay market price for your gold, since they are all in business to make a profit. The stores located outside of shopping malls and other similar places don’t have as much overhead, so they might be able to pay more.

Never sell your gold to someone who does not have the appropriate state licensure. Licensed buyers will probably be reputable. Do not be forced into selling to the first buyer you find if you are not happy with the terms on offer.

You may even be able to find old gold at thrift shops or garage sales. If you know what you are looking for, there are bargains to be found in such places. Many people don’t understand how valuable their items are, so they sell for cheaper than they could at these places. If you do some research, you can benefit greatly.

Be cautious. There are always a few bad apples in every market, and players in the gold market are no exception. There are lots of people that want to rip you off by not giving you what you’re owed. Do your homework before giving anyone your business.

Shop around before you decide which gold buyer you will use. You’ll be surprised by all the different offers you’ll get. By picking the first dealer, you could get a horrible deal. Be sure to take time to choose your buyer wisely for the best profit.

If you attend a gold party, you want to ask the representative how the value of the jewelry is determined exactly. Many times the item will have a stamp. A visual cue may not be available so other methods are used to figure it out. The most simple test involves the use of acid. If the company claims to use that type of test, it may be an indication that they are not as experienced with accurate testing methods.

Now you know a lot more about gold. Gold is smart as an investment and beautiful as a piece of jewelry. Use the information from this article; invest in your own gold collection today.