If you wish to be a gold investor, then you have definitely made a decision that brings balance to your investment portfolio. However, you need to understand all you can about the gold market. Keep reading to learn why gold is a smart investment strategy.

When you decide to sell gold, you should get a few sources to give you an estimated value. Dealer prices vary by store. You should get your gold appraised by a professional and compare prices offered by different buyers.

If you’re selling a gold item that has value beyond its weight in gold, you need to choose whether to sell the piece for its intrinsic value or its melt value. Private sellers and pawn shops just want the melt value. Don’t get discouraged if you are looking to sell jewelry, as buyers are still out there.

If you’re using a mail-order gold buying service, make sure you understand any return postage fees you’ll need to pay if you decline their offer. A lot of companies say they’ll let you ship for free, but to get things back they charge quite a bit. Find out how much you will have to spend in order to get your gold back if you decide not to sell it for the price offered.

Don’t sell to entities that are not licensed by the state to buy gold. Licensed buyers are much more reputable, and then you can stop worrying. Do not be forced into selling to the first buyer you find if you are not happy with the terms on offer.

Antique stores may hold valuable gold. You can find great bargains if you understand what to look for. Many people donate or sell to these places at low prices because they don’t know what they own. Their lack of knowledge can be used to your benefit, if you know what to look for.

Do not sell your gold just because you can. Take the time to research gold prices and sell it when the price is at its highest. Holding onto your gold might mean some serious money over time.

Gold prices have skyrocketed 400% in the last decade. It is unclear whether now is the right time to purchase gold, though the answer often lies in the current status of the dollar. When the dollar loses value, the value of gold increases.

Gather information about any gold dealer you are considering selling to. This is vital if you’re working with a mail-in company that is from another state. Reputable dealers will on file with the BBB and have few to no complaints.

Some of the best gold buying opportunities lay in purchasing gold from the general public. However, you need to know that there is risk in buying that way. It’s a good idea to get an appraisal for coins first. If you find gold coins at a cheap price and are fairly certain they are real, you can buy them and hope for a good outcome.

Gold Coins

Being an informed gold buyer can help you from making common mistakes. When you are looking to invest in gold coins, you want to make sure you buy solid gold and not gold plated coins. To learn whether you have real gold coins, get them appraised by an appraiser that’s certified before you buy it.

When you invest in gold, you want to do so thoughtfully. Instead, it is an investment that can be thought of more as wealth insurance. Buy when prices are low. During the times when the economy seems rough, people have had gold shortages.

Gold jewelry should always be separated according to karat content before it’s weighed and priced. The higher the karat, the higher the value of the gold will ultimately be. Allowing different karat jewelry to be weighed together will net you less money than you deserve. Go into the dealer with your pieces already separated.

Now, you should be able to find a place for gold inside your investment portfolio. It’s a good investment that can help tide you over beyond your current retirement funds and other types of investments. Use gold today to ensure your wealth.