Often people feel that gold is a safe investment. Gold is considered by many to be a solid choice if you are looking for a stable investment even when the general economy is rocky. To learn more about what investing in gold can do for you, continue reading.

Gold Prices

Gold prices fluctuate on a regular basis, so make sure you have up-to-date information about gold prices before selling something. If you choose to sell any gold, keep in mind that pieces that have different karat values need to be valued and weighed separately. Stay away from selling high-end jewelry pieces because they have more value.

If you’d like to sell scrap gold or jewels, look around for the best price. Many stores will charge a higher rate than the posted spot rate for gold. You might get a better deal at a store not in a major shopping mall, since their overhead and rent is lower.

Only sell to buyers that have a state license to buy gold. They are likely to be honest. Many establishments purchase gold, so there is no need to sell yours to the first buyer you deal with.

Don’t ignore thrift stores and antique shops when searching for gold deals. You can find bargains in these places. A lot of people don’t know the value of what they have, and just give or sell cheaply to those places. Reap the benefits from that loss, but only after researching first.

Be knowledgeable about market prices before you accept someone’s offer to buy your gold. Try to compare what similar sized pieces are selling for. This will allow you to have a price in mind you can work with. You should always ask for a slightly higher price so you can negotiate with the buyer.

A quick and inexpensive way to test a piece of gold or precious metal to see if it is real, is by using a magnet. Precious metals do not respond to magnets. Many times you see the clasp gold plated but not the rest of the piece. The magnet test is an excellent way to find out.

Ask the gold party representative about how the gold’s purity in karats is determined. Is it based on the stamp? A visual cue may not be available so other methods are used to figure it out. The simplest test is the acid test, so if a rep is using this method, he may be a novice to the market.

Be sure to do your homework about current gold values prior to any investment decision or action. There are predators out there in the gold market that claim to be big shots but just want you investing with them. Be wary of any claim to help you get rich quick in the gold markets. Keep that in mind, and you’ll go into it with realistic expectations.

Gold Market

It is easy to invest in gold when you understand the gold market. Once you learn a bit about the gold market, you should be able to jump in with both feet. Get the most from your money by applying each of these ideas to your investment strategy.