A lot of people decide to invest in gold because this precious metal is an excellent way to protect savings from inflation. A lot of investors say that the gold market is preferable during the periods of economic uncertainty. If you’re seeking additional knowledge about gold and entering this market, read on for solid tips.

Get multiple estimates for your gold pieces if you are looking to sell them. There are quite a few stores selling jewelry or that buy it, and they sometimes make more money on the gold than you make on it. By seeking multiple estimates, you are able to determine whether an offer is truly fair.

Be sure you research a company before sending them gold in the mail. Know exactly how much money you can expect to receive, and make sure that the package you send them is insured. Take a snapshot of everything that you send in the mail for security.

Check the return policy before you buy anyone a gift of gold. You can’t be sure of another person’s preferences; they may not care for it. If that should occur, it is important you can return the piece for a full refund.

If you decide to take any scrap gold or jewelry to local places that pay cash for gold, shop around. Bear in mind that the market price for gold you can find online (the “spot”) is only an average; different dealers will offer you different prices under (or even over) the spot. The stores located outside of shopping malls and other similar places don’t have as much overhead, so they might be able to pay more.

Sell only to gold buyers who are licensed by the state. They are likely to be honest. There are many people who will buy your gold, but some are out to rip you off.

Do not discount the value of searching through antique stores or thrift shops for your gold. When you know what to look for, you can find a great deal. Often people do not realize the value of old jewelry and simply donate it or put it in a garage sale. Your knowledge will help you get the better end of the deal.

Shop around before you decide which gold buyer you will use. You’ll be surprised by all the different offers you’ll get. If you stick with your first buyer, you could get a terrible deal. Be sure to take time to choose your buyer wisely for the best profit.

Do not invest in any market before you have done your homework. There will probably be people saying that they know what they’re talking about just so you’re likely to invest with them. However, you have to be careful about get rich promises. Gold won’t get you rich overnight, so don’t expect as much.

In many cases, earing backing are solid gold even the total piece is not. Ring bands, clasps on necklaces, and other easy-to-overlook bits of jewelry also often have significant gold content. You can sell these small pieces together. Selling in quantity increases your profit.

Gold investment covers a lot of different options besides acquiring and holding the metal itself. It is possible to purchase stocks of gold mining companies, shares in a gold ETF or a mutual fund whose focus is gold. While it is nice to physically have gold, you run the risk of theft and the expense of storing it.

Don’t sell gold just to sell it. Gold is something that tends to go up in price, and while it’s at an all-time high recently, chances are it’ll be worth even more down the line. If you don’t need the money, hang on to your gold.

Gold prices have increased by over 400 percent in the last decade which is good if you own gold. The exact best time to really buy gold is not fully known, but it largely depends on how the dollar does. In general, when the dollar is weaker, gold prices tend to rise.

When you know how the gold market goes, getting into it is simple. Having read these tips, you can now go forth and invest successfully in gold. Take all the advice here and use it wisely as you move forward with your investments.