The gold market has seen an amazing boost in interest since the financial meltdown. You might be interested in learning more about gold as a protective investment, but you may not know what you need to know yet. Eliminate your doubts with the tips below.

When selling gold, it is a good idea to get an estimated value from more than one source. Many jewelry stores and gold buying services are available, and they will all usually take a different profit on the gold they are purchasing. By shopping around, you will get a better idea of what the gold you are selling is really worth.

Gold prices change quickly and often, so know the current value before you attempt to sell any. If you make the decision to sell gold, separate your pieces by purity level. Because the jewelry you sell will be melted down, keep pieces that are more valuable because of the designer name.

Before buying or selling gold, be sure you are aware of how metals are priced. The prices of metals like platinum, gold and silver can fluctuate greatly in just one day. Before you do any buying or selling, check the market prices beforehand. A higher percentage over the melt should be expected when purchasing fractional gold pieces such as 1/2 or a 1/4th ounce against a one ounce piece.

Sell your gold online. You don’t need to visit an actual store to do this. There are dozens of reputable websites where you can buy and sell gold. The site will send you a special kit in which you’ll return the gold items. They end up paying you once they receive it, but they usually won’t pay you a lot.

Before you mail any jewelry to a particular company which purchases such items, be sure to do your homework and check out the company thoroughly before you do so. Ensure you understand the reimbursement terms, and don’t neglect to purchase postal insurance for the package. Also you need to be sure to photograph everything you’ve put in your package in case they start a dispute.

Keep in mind that gold dealers will buy anything that’s got gold within it. Don’t overlook flatware, watches, jewelry and even broken pieces as potential sources of profit. In fact, a gold piece doesn’t have to be 100-percent gold to be worth something. A gold plated item or an item that is not entirely made from gold is still valuable. You are sure to turn a decent profit.

If you want to sell gold, make sure the buyer has a state license allowing them to do so. This does not prevent you from getting scammed, but a licensed buyer probably has a better reputation. Do not be forced into selling to the first buyer you find if you are not happy with the terms on offer.

Buying gold can exciting, but keep that to yourself. You may accidentally be overheard by a thief. Keep your investments personal and protect them at a safe or bank. Doing so means you are protecting your gold.

There is no doubt that gold investing is more popular than ever, perhaps as a result of financial instability that has swept the globe. Knowing how to buy and sell gold like a pro is a good way to leverage the gold market for your personal goals. Take the tips above to heart, and see what you can do with the information to improve your own circumstances.