Where to Buy Gold: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Best Deals on Gold and Precious Metals
Introduction
Buying gold is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and protect your wealth against inflation. Gold has been a safe-haven asset for thousands of years and has been used as a form of currency throughout history. Investing in gold can be an easy and stress-free process with the right guidance, so let’s explore your options for where to buy gold:
Reasons for Buying Gold
Investors often seek out gold because it is a tangible asset with a long tradition of use in jewelry and commerce. Gold can be found in coins, bullion and bars, as well as individual stocks and mutual funds focused on gold investments. Additionally, there are many gold-backed derivatives, such as options and futures.
Gold provides potential protection against inflation and financial turmoil that can occur with fiat currencies (national currencies backed by the government of a particular country). This is because, historically, when fiat currency depreciates significantly in value due to economic upheaval or government actions, the cost of gold rises proportionally. This means that if the value of a fiat currency decreases quickly, an investor’s gold holdings should theoretically increase in value accordingly. This makes it an attractive asset class for investors who want to hedge their portfolio against economic uncertainty.
Additionally, since gold produces no income or dividends like stocks or bonds do, there is less volatility associated with this metal than other investments. As such, many investors feel more secure when their money is invested in gold than other assets that can potentially dip substantially during downturns in the markets. Therefore buyers of gold benefit from its low correlation to other assets as well as its potential for long-term price appreciation.
Types of Gold
Buying gold offers a great way to increase your wealth and financial security. It can provide a hedge against inflation and a form of asset diversification. But when it comes time to buy gold, it’s important to know the different types of gold available to purchase.
Depending on which type of gold you choose to buy, there will be different costs, process, and storage options associated with it. Let’s explore the different types of gold and how to buy them:
Gold Bars
Gold bars come in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from 1 gram to 1 kilogram or more. Generally, the larger the bar, the lower the premium over gold’s spot price. Gold bars are produced by a number of reputable refiners and manufacturers including Johnson Matthey (JM), Credit Suisse (CS) and Heraeus.
The most popular gold bars usually come in sizes of 1 oz, 10 oz or 100g depending on a customer’s needs. The smaller bars, such as 1 gram gold bars may be easier to purchase from private sellers who are willing to accept cash payments for small amounts of bullion if you wish to buy without registering for an online account with a bullion dealer. Furthermore, both minted bars and cast biscuits offer affordability and flexibility when it comes to purchasing gold as each unique costs less than fractional coins given their much lower premiums per ounce.
Gold bars are typically constructed by refining gold into pure form before being cast into molds for proper shape formation. Minted gold bars typically have an intricate design with particular attention paid to preserving the craftsmanship of its minting process that can date back centuries in some cases. In terms of security features, minted gold bars bear a serial number issued by their producer as well as EIC holograms offering security measures against counterfeiting activities should they occur.
Gold Coins
Gold coins are one of the most popular types of gold to buy and come in a number of different weights and finenesses. Gold coins usually carry a higher premium over the spot price than other types of gold such as bars because they are considered legal tender and therefore hold more value. Common sizes are 1/10th, ¼, ½ and 1-ounce coins.
Below is a list of some of the most popular gold coins:
- American Eagle (1 oz)
- Canadian Maple Leaf (1 oz)
- South African Krugerrand (1 oz)
- Austrian Philharmonic (1 oz)
- Chinese Panda (various sizes)
Gold Bullion
Gold bullion is gold in its physical form. When most people think of owning gold, they think of gold bars or coins. Bullion is often traded on the stock market, but can also refer to physical pieces that are privately held.
Gold bullion comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and can range from a few grams to several hundred ounces in weight. Bullion is typically traded by margin or in bulk. It is important to note that gold bullion must be 99.9% pure to meet international standards, so it should always be checked for authenticity before trading it or purchasing it as an investment package.
Some well-known examples of gold bullion include the Krugerrand produced by South Africa and the Maple Leaf minted by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Where to Buy Gold
If you are interested in buying gold as an investment, you have a variety of options. Gold can be purchased from a number of different sources, from jewelry stores and coin shops to online dealers and bullion exchanges. The key is to find the best deal for the gold you want to buy and ensure that it is of the highest quality.
Let’s look at some of the best places to buy gold:
Online Retailers
When it comes to buying gold, there are numerous options available. In addition to physical stores, many retailers and brokers also operate online, which is becoming a popular way for customers to purchase gold. Online gold retailers or brokers give you the benefit of accessing larger inventories and lower prices compared to local physical stores.
Before you invest in gold online, do a comparison of various online websites to understand their buying policies and methods of delivery. Make sure that the website is trustworthy and legitimate by doing extensive research and using websites like the Better Business Bureau, ConsumerAffairs.com or TrustPilot. Additionally, ensure that there is a secure checkout system when placing orders on any website you choose so your personal information is properly safeguarded.
Outlined below are some popular online gold retailers for you to consider:
- APMEX
- JM Bullion
- Money Metals Exchange
- BullionVault
- BGASC
- GoldSilver Incorporated
- GoldDealer
- SD Bullion
Local Jewelers
Local jewelers have long been considered the easiest place to buy gold. Many have a selection of gold bullion, coins and jewelry to choose from, either right in the shop or through an online affiliate. Local jewelers are able to offer expert advice and answer questions about quality and value. They can even negotiate on-site buys such as swaps or selling scrap gold at current market prices.
Furthermore, purchasing gold at a local jeweler gives one-on-one access to someone knowledgeable of the product and able to explain different forms of gold such as coins or bars. Jewelers will also be able to give advice on which form of gold is best for investment purposes as well as which coinage has the most collector appeal.
Additionally, buying from a local jeweler gives you the added protection that comes with having recourse through your state’s consumer protection laws in case something goes wrong with your purchase.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops can be a great place to buy gold items, as many carry a wide variety of pre-owned gold items. Although buying something from a pawn shop does not typically come with the same guarantees as buying from reputable jewelry stores or other outlets, there are certain advantages. For one thing, pawn shops may offer lower than market prices for pieces that they buy—so you might be able to snag an item at a great bargain.
It is important to do your research before you purchase an item from a pawn shop, as some are legitimate and reliable while others may not be trustworthy or registered. Make sure to read up on different customer reviews and pay close attention to what sort of guarantees and returns policies they have in place.
Online Auctions
Online auctions can be a convenient, cost-effective way to purchase gold and other precious and collectible metals. Whether you are looking for gold coins, bars, or even jewelry, you might find what you’re looking for through an online auction.
When buying gold through an online auction, it’s important to do your research and only buy from trustworthy sources. Be sure to read the auction house’s terms of service carefully before participating in their process, as well as researching the seller’s reputation and background. As with any financial transaction done online, make sure the website is secure before entering your personal information or payment details.
The advantages of participating in an online auction include the ability to access a broad variety of products from around the world and often at competitive prices. It also allows buyers to browse a much wider selection as compared to local shops or physical auctions. Additionally, there are usually minimal handling fees associated with using an online auction – which may be cheaper than shop prices elsewhere.
It is important to note that there is always a certain degree of risk associated with buying gold through an online auction site because it is difficult to verify quality before purchase; however reputable sellers will typically post detailed product information and are committed to offering authentic metals in excellent condition. To ensure your satisfaction with any purchases made on an online auction site, purchasers should confirm that offers include return policies and guarantee for authenticity prior to making a purchase decision–and read reviews from past customers too!
Tips for Buying Gold
Gold can be an excellent choice for investors who are looking to diversify their portfolios. Gold has proven to be a reliable and stable asset over the past few centuries.
When it comes to buying gold, there are a few important things to consider. Let’s take a look at some tips for buying gold:
Research Prices
When shopping for gold, it is important to thoroughly research prices before making a purchase. Online gold dealers will often have certified coins, bullion, and bars at discounted prices, however shopping around can help you find the best deal. While there may be some one-off deals available at auctions or estate sales, purchasing through reputable dealers ensures that the items are of a certain quality and that sellers stand behind their products.
Make sure to take into account all the costs associated with your purchase, such as delivery fees and insurance policies. Additionally consider whether or not you want professional grading done on the gold. This will provide a certificate of authenticity which may be beneficial but also comes with an additional fee.
- When buying gold, also be aware that when selling back to a dealer or pawn shop typically pays out at discounted rates than what is paid for new items.
Check the Purity
When shopping for gold, it is important to check the purity of any item you are interested in. Gold purity is measured in karats, with higher numbers indicating a higher concentration of pure gold. Pure gold is 24K and any other number indicates an alloy (combination of metals) that creates a variety of different colors. Common alloys include 18k, 14k and 10k. Alloys have less pure gold content than pure gold and may have other materials mixed in as well; it is important to ask what the alloy contains before buying or selling any form of gold.
You should also ask for an assay certificate from the seller to verify the product’s purity and authenticity.
Consider Delivery Options
When buying gold, it is important to consider the delivery options available. Generally speaking, gold can be purchased online and delivered via insured mail or via secure vault services.
When buying online, one of the most important factors is to be sure that your order is safe and secure. You should always double check the source of the gold, including any third-party authentication and certifications of quality, before making your purchase.
Secure vault services provide clients with an extra layer of security for their physical purchases by providing secure storage for precious metals in dedicated vaults located around the world. Vault delivery options are perfect for investors who want to maintain complete control and privacy over their alternatives.
Another option for beneficial owners is Deliver Versus Payment (DVP), which makes it possible for buyers to take custody of their metals upon receipt versus traditional settlement methods where ownership does not change hands until several days after a transaction takes place. Depending on market conditions, DVP may be more expensive than regular settlement options but may increase speed and certainty as both counter-parties will know precisely when title has been transferred and funds have been wired at predetermined times throughout the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while buying gold can be intimidating and risky, it also represents a good way to protect yourself financially and often makes a good investment. The key is to be as informed as possible so that you can make the best decision for your specific investment goals and financial needs.
Make sure to researched the different gold types, review the different ways to buy gold and be aware of any potential fees or risks associated with buying gold. With these tips in mind, you can make an educated decision when it comes time to purchasing gold products.
