If you are looking for something to put money into, gold is a safe bet. Perhaps you are a person who has daydreamed about investing in gold, but doesn’t actually know where to begin? If so, we have just the information you need. The piece that follows is full of useful tips on gold investing.

When entering the gold market you will want to have an idea on how the precious metals prices are determined. Metal prices fluctuate constantly, so you need to know the price on any given day for a transaction. If you have gold that does not weigh up to a full ounce, you may receive less than the melt value when selling it.

Buy Gold

You might have avoided gold because of the price, and chose instead to buy gold-filled or gold-plated pieces instead. However, it’s still possible to buy gold jewelry and not need to spend a fortune at the jewelry store. It is cheaper online and at pawn shops.

If you’re selling gold through a mail-in service, do your homework on the company and its policies before you make a commitment. Be certain you have a clear understanding of the timeline involved, and make certain your jewelry is insured. Make sure that you photograph each piece of gold you’re sending before you mail it off.

If you don’t know what your gold jewelry is worth, consider having an appraisal done. Although appraisals cost money, you will know the value of your items. Use an accredited appraiser for best results. Also keep in mind you usually won’t get the full value if you do decide to sell the gold.

Melt Value

When selling jewelry, be aware that most gold buyers will only pay you on the melt value. Many buyers only want to pay for the melt value of the jewelry. Don’t get discouraged since there’s a buyer out there that wants your pieces.

Make sure you verify the price of gold the same day you plan to buy it. You can see it on various sites and it usually changes every day. Never pay more than 8% premiums on your gold. Be on the lookout for any unscrupulous dealers who try to get away with overcharging you.

If you go to a gold party, talk to the person who organizes it to figure out how they calculate the value of the gold sold. Many times the item will have a stamp. In other cases, there’s no visual evidence and the rep must make the determination by an alternate method. One method that can be used is the acid test.

Research all that you can before you invest in gold. Many people will offer you their own insights and assure you that they’re providing real investment expertise. Be wary of any claim to help you get rich quick in the gold markets. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes, and avoid being scammed.

Read the fine print of your sales contract. If you want to sell gold to mail-in gold buyers, read the small print carefully before you sell. Doing so makes it easier to keep track of what portion of your earnings go toward fees and commissions.

Gold investing isn’t just for a pro; anyone who wants to be safe with their money can do it too. You can now be more confident because of these wonderful gold tips that can guide you toward smart decisions. Keep these tips handy as you pursue your dreams.