If you would like to make gold investments, you have made smart decisions that will balance your portfolio risk. On the other hand, you need to know exactly what to do and also consider all options. Continue reading to learn how you can include gold in your investment strategies.

Make sure to research prospective buyers in advance in order to find a reputable one. Read online reviews and check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if a dealer has any complaints filed against them. Shop around to get the best price for your gold.

It is possible to safely purchase gold online. Gold trading doesn’t necessarily have to happen at an establishment with walls. You can buy and sell your gold at many websites online. The website will send special kits where you are to return your gold items. They will pay you once you send the gold in.

Gold Coins

Buy the right gold if you are investing for retirement. Gold as an investment must be designated as approved by the Internal Revenue Service. Examples of approved gold is bullion bars or gold coins. Gold bars tend to hold their value better than gold coins.

When purchasing a piece of gold jewelry for someone else, be sure there is a return policy. It is hard to tell if that jewelry is going to fit another person, or if that person is going to want it. For this reason, it is important to purchase jewelry items that come with a money back guarantee.q

When looking to sell gold and you’re not sure of the value, look at getting it appraised. The up front cost is significant, but it can give you a better estimate of value. If you want to obtain an unbiased value, retain the services of a certified appraiser. If you still decide to sell your gold, you should know that you will not be paid the full appraisal value.

If you are shipping jewelry, be certain you find out how much it’s going to cost to get your pieces back if you fail to accept their offer. Most companies will advertise free shipping, but they often charge a lot to put the items back in the mail. You want to know what those charges might end up being before you decide to send them your gold.

How does the seller know what the karat rating is? 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. One simple way to do this is to use the acid test; if your rep does this, he might be a novice in the business.

Be certain to review the sales contract carefully. If you are going to sell gold pieces to a mail-in buyer, look at the fine print prior to selling to them. This lets you know how much you end up with after any fees are taken off the top.

With any luck, gold can now be in your portfolio. Gold is a good bridge in your portfolio between liquid assets and mutual funds, bonds and equities. Find out why gold is so popular as an investment, and learn how the various choices differ in risk.