Being that the world is seeing some tough economic times, the gold market continues to see a rise in popularity. Perhaps you have an interest in the gold market as safe haven for your wealth, but you do not know how to approach it. You can fix that issue right now by reading on.

Never deal with a gold buyer or seller who does not have a favorable reputation. Look at the Better Business Bureau to gather information about the company to see if their legitimate or not. A reputable buyer will typically pay you a fair price for your gold, and they will offer better customer service than less reputable buyers. You should do this to better protect your gold investment and yourself.

Schedule for a proper delivery before buying gold from any seller. If the seller does not provide immediate delivery, you must get some kind of writing from them confirming when you can expect to get your pieces. This should be spelled out in no uncertain terms. If you cannot get this document, do not complete your order.

If you’re interested in investing in jewelry made of gold for someone other than yourself, make sure that you have the ability to return it for a full refund if necessary. It’s entirely possible that a particular piece ends up being improperly sized or simply unappreciated by its recipient. It is always best to have the value appraised before you accept an offer.

Anything with gold can be sold to a good dealer. Decorations, flatware, broken jewelry, anything you have with real gold content is potentially valuable. It doesn’t need to be 100% gold either. It could just have a tiny amount of gold or be gold plated. You will still stand to make a bit of profit.

Be sure the buyer you are considering is licensed by the state to make gold purchases. Though you still may be taken, licensed buyers tend to be more trustworthy. Many individuals, pawn shops and jewelry stores are interested in buying gold. Be picky about your buyers.

Don’t discount the value of looking for gold in vintage or antique stores. You can find great bargains if you understand what to look for. Often people do not realize the value of old jewelry and simply donate it or put it in a garage sale. You stand to gain a great deal if you come armed with a bit of research.

When you’re selling your gold, you have to do the proper research. You should also look around to see what other people are asking for similar pieces. This will provide you with a good starting point on pricing. Begin the negotiations by asking for more than you expect to receive.

Use a magnet to determine if an item is made of gold. Gold and other real precious metals aren’t attracted to magnets. Sometimes, the only thing real about a piece of gold jewelry is the clasp. You will find this to be an effective way of testing this.

Although gold can be a lucrative investment, it can be volatile. If you’re not ready for a roller coaster ride, gold investing is probably not for you. However gold is perfect for long term investments. Make gold just a small portion of your portfolio at first. It should be no more than five percent.

In the last few years, more and more people have become interested in investing in gold as a source of financial security. If you understand the market, you can profit off it. Use the information applied in these tips to your benefit when considering the gold markets.