If investing in gold is something you hope to do, then you have made a wise choice that can counterweight risk elsewhere in your portfolio. On the other hand, you need to know exactly what to do and also consider all options. Keep reading for the best gold information on the Internet.
It is important to understand the type of scale your gold dealer uses. Some dealers use a Troy scale while others use a pennyweight. On a Troy scale, gold weighs 31.1 grams per ounce. A pennyweight equals 1.555 grams. In comparison, a US scale measures each ounce of gold at 28 grams.
Stay with reputable buyers when you sell your gold. Get with the Better Business Bureau or check out reviews online if you’d like to learn about someone’s business. If you are being offered good customer service and an honest price for the gold, then you are dealing with a reputable buyer. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of.
Know you’re going to have to show your ID when you sell gold. By law, people are required to present their identification when they sell gold. That is done in order to deter thieves and other criminals. Therefore, don’t be embarrassed if they ask for your ID, and even snap a photograph of you.
Only certain kinds of gold are suitable for contributing to your retirement fund. The IRS must give its approval for your investment. Only 24K coins and bullion bars are eligible. The bars are a better buy than the coins are because they are more likely to retain their value.
When purchasing gold jewelry, ask the jeweler for a certificate of authenticity. This certificate is proof that you are purchasing a good piece of jewelry made of solid cold. Be sure the certificate indicates the price of the jewelry. Should you ever decide to sell your jewelry, this will be of help.
Avoid rare gold coins unless you really know what you are buying. Rare gold coins can be difficult to sell, and they sometimes lose value quickly. They also might not contain as much gold as you think. Leave such purchases for the experts, and stick to better known coins for your own collection.
Be aware that it is possible to sell anything with a gold content to gold dealers. Whether it is jewelry or home decor related, it could be an everyday item that you have within the home. Having 100% gold isn’t required, either. It just needs to be plated or maybe only a part of it’s gold. You will still get a favorable return.
Know what you have. Some items are worth way more than the actual price of the gold they are made from. This is especially true for antique coins or jewelry. Oftentimes gold jewelry features highly sought after gems in the setting too. That could make the item a lot more valuable.
Many people find purchasing gold stocks is a wise investment for their portfolio. When stock of companies lose value, the value of gold stocks rise so this provides some protection for their long term investments. Many investment counselors are now recommending inclusion of precious metal stocks in long term retirement accounts.
Read the terms and conditions of any gold mail-in service. These operations tend to have a lot of fine print, some of which can really work against you if there are any issues down the line. Before choosing this route, read everything you can so that you avoid as many potential pitfalls as possible.
Gold parties seem to be popping up everywhere these days, and participants usually enjoy going. They get to hang out with their friends and leave with money in their pocket. However, remember that the representative may or may not be qualified to evaluate your gold, so you never know what kind of price you are going to receive.
If you are selling gold of different karats, have them weighed separately. This is because 24 karat gold has a higher value than 18 or 14 karat gold. By having them all weighed separately you will get a fair price. If they are all weighed together, you will be given the total value of the lowest karat.
When you are strapped for cash, sell your gold. Anything containing gold can be sold. This includes bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry. Gold plated china, gold plated cups and even dental gold can be sold for extra cash. Additionally, broken jewelry, gold coins and gold bullions can also be sold to a gold dealer.
Do your math before walking into a gold selling situation. You need to have an idea of what your gold is potentially worth. If you don’t and the dealer senses that, chances are you’ll receive a lowball offer. Do yourself a favor, and don’t put yourself in that situation. It only costs you money.
If your gold jewelry includes gemstones, see if you can keep them. Getting the smallest stones out of jewelry can be rather tricky, though. In most cases, small gems will be overlooked since they do not have any value once a piece of jewelry is melted.
Unless you have true expertise, avoid investing your money in rare gold coins. The novice buyer won’t be able to appreciate the many distinctions in grade between coins and can be easily cheated. If you do go this route then you really should hire a professional coin grader to protect your interests. Be sure to insist on a certificate of authenticity for any purchases you make.
Now you know how to use gold to your advantage. It’s a strategy that bridges the gap between your liquid cash savings and your mutual funds and stocks. Understanding the different options and how they will affect your investments will help you buy and sell gold confidently.
