Are you interested in becoming a gold trader? Are you fascinated by the idea of owning gold? Are you wondering where to get started? If so, then you will want to read some excellent tips on where to begin your journey into market of gold. Read below for those great tips.

How heavy your gold is will determine how much money you get for each piece. However, some dealers are not very reputable and may try to pay you less than you are owed. Watch out for anyone who weighs your gold by the pennyweight but tries to pay you for grams instead.

Always purchase gold jewelry from a jeweler you can trust. You would be surprised at how many jewelers try to sell fake gold or lower-karats at a high-karat price. Ask friends or family members if they know of a good jeweler. Or, you can go online and look at reviews for jewelers.

If you decide to invest in gold, find out which type of gold is the best investment for you. Most investors buy gold bullion bars or gold coins. This type of gold requires a sizable investment. Gold bars are available in a wide variety of sizes from half an ounce to 400 ounces.

Go through thrift shops and antique stores looking for gold. You can find great bargains if you understand what to look for. The prices are low here as the items are often donated. If you are smart, you can make a great profit.

Be a comparison shopper. Each gold dealer will make different offers. It may depend on their commission set up or the flexibility in their fees. But you won't see the benefit of this unless you shop around. Don't stop at the first place and call it a day. You may be making a bad deal for yourself.

Have your gold weighed out in the open, in front of you. If a dealer wants to take your piece to the back of the store, beware. Some less than ethical dealers will use a bait and switch, or they will tell you the pieces weigh less than they actually do. This means less money in your pocket, and it amounts to an unfair deal.

If you are considering selling your gold to a pawn shop or second hand store, go with the pawn shop. Pawn shops have certain regulations they must abide by, and this protects you, the consumer. Second hand stores have no such regulations, which opens up the possibility of unethical practices.

Understand fees and commissions when buying investment gold pieces. Most reputable dealers will charge between five and seven percent. You need to realize this cost incurred to make sure you are still getting a good deal on the pieces you are buying, based on their true value at the time of purchase.

To invest wisely in gold, know how to test the grade of the pieces. The term, karat, is used to refer to the purity of gold. As the number increases, the purity does as well. 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.

Consider throwing a "gold" party in your home for friends and neighbors. Tupperware and Avon parties have been replaced by gold events hosted in many areas. Invite friends and colleagues to your home to have their gold items appraised for free by a reputable local appraiser. Once appraised, they can exchange the item for cash or decide to shop elsewhere. For your time and effort, the appraiser would pay you a commission based on the amount of gold that is sold. Look for appraisers who have direct experience with such events since they will have developed the skills needed to keep the mood light and comfortable.

Know what you want before you invest in gold. Although 24k gold leaf sheets can add a nice balance to your portfolio in case of rough economic times, it is still considered an investment that fluctuates wildly. If you're able to set a limit on being exposed to it and have a few things in mind before you set out, you can make more money.

Jumping into the gold market is something that a lot people have been considering today. Since you just read this article perhaps you would like to enter this market. If that's the case, gather up all these great tips about getting started in gold, use it to your advantage as you begin this journey.