The prices of gold change rapidly. With precious metals such as gold, there are always buyers. Frequently hard times accompany a rise in the price of gold. In this article we will discuss ways to make money trading gold.

You’ll want to know just how much your gold will be worth when selling it. You need to sort your gold according to its karat value before weighing and assessing the value of each item. Don’t sell jewelry that has an increased value because of the design or the creator.

Research any mail-in gold jewelry purchaser before sending your jewelry off to them. Be sure to understand when to expect payment and how to insure your items. Be sure you capture photos of everything you put in the mail.

Ensure that your retirement investments are approved. Your gold has to be IRS approved. They must be 24 karat bullion bars or coins. Bars are generally more valuable than coins and should, therefore, be favored.

Know what you have when it comes to gold. Appearance alone is not an accurate gauge of the value of your gold. Some jewelry is a composite of a number of different metals. This actually lowers the price of the gold. Also, some items may only be gold plated. If you do not know for sure the value of your gold piece, have it appraised before presenting it for sale.

Don’t go into the situation blindly when selling gold; always know what the market price is. Research the selling price of pieces similar to yours. In this way, you will have a good idea of how to price your gold. Always ask for a bit more than you really want in order to allow for negotiation.

Precious Metal

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. If it is a true precious metal, it will not adhere to the magnet. Often the clasp of a piece is real gold, while the rest of the piece is just plated. A magnet is an easy way to test.

How does the seller know what the karat rating is? Many times, the items are stamped. Other times, though, there are no outward signs, and therefore representatives rely on other techniques. The simplest test is the acid test, so if a rep is using this method, he may be a novice to the market.

You must always perform your own analysis before making any investments in the gold market. Some people will make false claims to try and get you to invest. Be wary of any claim to help you get rich quick in the gold markets. You will certainly avoid the getting rich quick way of thinking if you have realistic expectations.

Before you sell your jewelry for scrap gold, have them appraised. This is a good idea if the piece is antique or has an elaborate design. Appraisals cost money, but often are a good investment. An appraiser may know someone that’s interested in your jewelry.

Clearly, gold provides a reliable measuring stick for the economy. This means that if you want to take full advantage of this fluctuating currency, you need to understand it and how to use it to reach your financial goals. Cement your standing in the gold market by using the tips above.