Since it’s discovery a few millenia ago, gold has been a sought after commodity with intrinsic value. Everybody cherishes gold, but not everybody is familiar with how to get it. If you want to purchase gold, or even if you are interested in selling it, the follow tips will help.

When you sell gold, get multiple estimates of its value. There are many places where you can buy and sell gold, and they all use different metrics to decide on price. By seeking multiple estimates, you are able to determine whether an offer is truly fair.

You should always ask for timely delivery when purchasing some gold from a reliable seller. If the seller does not provide immediate delivery, you must get some kind of writing from them confirming when you can expect to get your pieces. You should have the date of delivery clearly listed. Do not complete the order unless you have this in writing.

If you are thinking about selling some of your gold jewelry, know what the going market price for gold is. That will help you determine whether or not a dealer is actually offering you a good price for your pieces. Most dealers should sell according to the market, but sometimes they’ll try to scam you if they think you just want quick cash.

While you may be very tempted to quickly send off your old gold scraps and jewelry to a business that buys gold through the mail, do your homework about the company first. Understand when you will be paid and how you can insure the mailer. The final step is to take photos of your jewelry, just to be sure you can fight any future problems that may occur.

If you will be selling your gold, shop around for best prices. Though there may be a standard market price for gold at a particular moment in time, not every store will pay it. Look at places where it costs less for the company to do business, so they can pay more for the gold.

You never know where you will find valuable gold; places like thrift stores are often great places to discover good deals. These places can be treasure troves for gold hunters. Seller don’t always know the value of the gold they own. You can take advantage of this if you just know what to look for.

It is important to understand that market before becoming active in it. There are bad companies in any market, but this market is known for having many. Many people would like to take advantage of your lack of knowledge on gold. Research gold and gold companies before trading.

When you are dealing with a particular gold dealer, be sure you pay attention to all forms. This business is about the dollar signs, and you must recognize this. You need to know what you’re signing. Don’t be afraid to pass on anything that has terms you don’t agree to. Protecting yourself is hugely important.

Gold Purity

To be a smart investor in gold pieces, learn how to test for the grade. Gold purity is measured in karats. The higher the karats, the more pure and the more expensive it is per ounce. Gold may be stamped with a karat stamp but you should always test it to be sure. You can make sure you never pay too much for poor gold quality when you know exactly how to test gold purity.

Gold is a trade-able commodity as well as being a metal prized for its beauty for thousands of years. Investing in gold makes good sense because it not only retains value, but can increase in value over time. Since you know much more about gold now, get going with some gold investments today.

Many people have turned toward gold investing because they want a safe place to put their money. Investors need to consider many things, however, and many people lack the right knowledge. Below you’ll find some useful tips that can make you a much more intelligent gold investor.

When you sell gold, deal with a reliable buyer. Check with the BBB and look at reviews online before you sell your gold to a buyer. Reputable buyers usually pay fairly for gold, and they often have much better customer service versus the less reputable ones. Do your homework in order to safeguard both you and your financial investment.

Check the return policy before you buy anyone a gift of gold. You can’t be sure when jewelry is liked by the other person or if it even fits them. If this happens, then you need to be returning the piece in question for a refund.

Think about having your jewelry appraised if you are not sure of it’s true value. This adds an up-front cost, but it could save you a lot of money later. Make sure that you get a truly realistic value from an appraiser that is accredited. Remember, though, that you won’t get the appraiser’s price for your gold.

Check the prices of golds the day you plan to buy. This can be seen at numerous websites, but keep in mind it can often change. When going to buy the jewelry, you should not have to pay higher than 8% markup over the spot price. Some will attempt to charge even more, but that isn’t ethical.

An inexpensive and simple way to see if an item is gold is with a regular household magnet. Precious metals, such as gold, are not magnetic. There may be times when an item of jewelry has a solid gold clasp, but the rest of the item is only gold plated. This can be a useful method of testing for that.

Talk to someone at any gold party to determine how they decide a piece’s karats. In most cases, the item is simply stamped. In some situations, though, no visual sign presents itself, so there are other ways of determining it. Dealers using an acid test may be newcomers, as this is a very basic test.

Remember to research the gold market prior to investing any money. There may be people claiming to be market gurus who are trying to lure you into investing with them. But, be wary of get-rich-quick promises. Avoid such talk and thoughts so you can avoid unrealistic expectations of what gold can do for you.

Don’t sell your gold just because you feel it would get a good price. Gold is always increasing in value, so don’t sell it unless you really need the money. Holding onto the gold you own is going to be beneficial to your future.

Gold Purity

When you’re buying and selling gold, especially jewelry, knowing how to determine grade is very important. Karats are used to measure gold purity. The higher the karat, the purer and more expensive it costs per ounce. Don’t just believe the karat value expressed by the karat stamp. You won’t pay too much for poor quality when you know the methods to testing gold purity.

In order to help get the best possible deal for your gold, make sure you know who the buyer is that you will deal with. This is critical when a mail away service is being used for your gold purchase or sale. Gold purchasing firms ought to have a BBB listing so you will be able to determine whether any complaints have been filed.

If you are considering selling your gold online, double check the prices before moving forward. It’s not uncommon to find a gold-buying business in your own town that will pay you more. Mailing may be convenient; however, you may also be losing quite a bit of money.

The interest about gold markets shared by so many gives no indication of slowing down. However, it is wise for investors to carefully research the market before venturing into unknown territory. Remember the information in this article to acquire real wealth.