Gold fluctuates in value, but the trend remains an upward one. Precious metals like gold always have a market for trading, selling, and buying. When financial times are tough, the value can spike like never before. If you want to learn about this potentially lucrative investment, read these tips.

Ounce Bars

Bullion is the best choice if investing in gold. The weights vary. There is a choice of half-ounce and then up to 400 ounce bars. Four hundred ounce bars will be hard to locate.

Before you buy gold, be sure you know exactly when it will be delivered to you. If this is not possible, make sure you get a written contract outlining when the items will arrive. This should be spelled out in no uncertain terms. Only complete the order if given this documentation.

Why not get your gold jewelry appraised if you are not too sure about its current value? Though you will have to pay a bit, knowing its value is crucial. And make sure you only hire an independent and accredited appraiser to be sure you get an honest appraisal. However, do not expect to receive the exact amount suggested by the appraisal when you sell the gold.

Before you ship gold jewelry to a buying service, find out whether you will be charged for return shipping. If you are not satisfied with the offer, you will have to pay this amount. A lot of companies say they’ll let you ship for free, but to get things back they charge quite a bit. You want to know what those charges might end up being before you decide to send them your gold.

There are many unexpected places to find gold, including thrift stores and antique shops. You can find bargains in those places when you’re aware of what you want. Lots of folks donate items or sell them in such venues simply because they lack knowledge of their true value. You can take advantage of this if you just know what to look for.

Look around before deciding on purchasing from a gold buyer. You’d be surprised in the variance of prices you’ll get offered. If you do not get several offers, you may not get the best price. Take a bit of extra time upfront so that you have the most cash possible in your pocket.

Many times the backs of earrings are solid gold, even if the earring itself is not solid. Necklace clasps and bands to rings are usually real, too. Since such pieces often weigh little, attempt selling them in a “lot”. You may be able to sell them for more as a bunch.

Before selling gold, separate everything by karat. Some buyers will weigh all your gold at once and offer you what the smallest karat weight is worth. This will result in you receiving less money. Separating the gold before you go prevents this from happening.

You should read all the fine print of a contract when working with a gold broker. This business deals with large amounts of money. Know fully just what you are signing. If you do not agree with the term, go to another dealer. You must protect your finances at all costs.

While the market for gold is tumultuous at times, it holds many opportunities to increase your wealth. If you have low risk tolerance, avoid this market. Look for ways to limit your risks, for instance by investing small amounts in gold. Don’t invest any more than a small percentage of your overall portfolio in gold. For example, you might wisely invest 5%.

Clearly, our finances are based in a gold standard. This means that to take charge of this ever-fluctuating commodity, you must understand it, know how to capitalize on it, and secure your financial goals when dealing with it. Use the stuff you’ve learned here so you can take on the market gold is in and win.