Most girls would prefer to buy, rather than sell diamonds. Diamond jewelry and accessories have fascinated women of all ages and countries. Many a romantic novel and poem have been dedicated to the value of these glittering stones. A man’s love for a woman is often measured by the number of carats he puts on her ring finger, and a woman often stands out among her peers by the sheer number of the diamonds she wears. As the saying goes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Unfortunately, investment diamonds don’t glitter half as much as gold. When you finally decide to sell diamonds, you will find that you don’t get back nearly as much as you or your beloved shelled out for them. What you do get when you sell diamonds is the appreciated value of the gold in which they were set. The appreciation in value in most of our jewelry is due to the gold in which it was set, and not the diamonds themselves.
Coming to the subject of investment, large diamonds above one carat are far better as an investment than the smaller stones. In fact, very small diamonds have little or no resale value after being set. So if you are buying with the intent to sell diamonds at a later date, look for larger stones. Color, cut, and clarity all go toward making the value of a diamond what it is. Unfortunately, most people cannot make out the quality of diamond and end up purchasing something worth very little in the resale market. It is important to buy and sell in the same shop to maximize one’s investment, as most sale deeds include a buy back clause. Sellers often include a certificate of quality with the diamond bill, which can be an important proof of its worth. The new crop of man-made diamonds often rival real diamonds in luster and are difficult to make out as artificial, except by professionals.
Much like in the case of diamonds, all gold is not created equal. Gold bars are the best form of investment in physical gold and not gold jewelry.
Necklaces and rings often contain large amount of impurities and cause a lot of the metal to be wasted when they are reconverted into another object. This is usually deducted from the price of the ornament when selling it. Unless the primary reason for purchase is adornment, it is best to consider electronic or paper gold. Gold bars can be difficult to store and leave you vulnerable to burglary. The price of gold has doubled in the past few years proving it to be one of the best investments in recent times. Diamonds unfortunately have shown no such trend.
When considering metal as investments, find a company or jeweler that has the necessary testing tools to determine the correct value of the stone or metal being appraised. There are various testing tools and equipments that can tell the metals comprising a piece are, as well as their respective percentages. These machines are expensive and not accessible to all pawn shops and small jewelers. It is, therefore, best to approach experts and not trust the sale of your precious metals or gems to just anybody. They are specifically in the business of purchase and sale of these items and will offer the best appraisal possible.
Nobody really expects to sell diamonds in their own lifetime. They hope to wear and treasure them and maybe even pass them down to their daughters and daughters-in-law. It is important to understand that investments are better than outright expenses. A medium-sized diamond loses value the moment a bill is made out in your name. An intricate piece of jewelry in gold or silver suffers the same fate, much like a car or appliance. In the past, women collected ornaments like these because they needed security and did not have access to mutual funds, bank accounts, or even an independent ability to spend.
Things have changed and it is important for every buyer to see value in high-value purchases. Nobody expects a return on a toy bought for a child, but the expectations are no longer the same for real estate or metal and gemstones. Buy quality, buy with care. These things of beauty can bring joy and look after you in your old age.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Lesotho diamonds - Lesotho Brown - 1967
Some of the world's largest rough diamonds have been found in the Kingdom of Lesotho, a small African country totally surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. The first large diamond found in Lesotho in modern times was discovered by accident in 1967.
That 601-carat rough diamond has been named the 'Lesotho Brown,' after the stone's brown color. In fact, however, upon cutting and polishing, this gem showed its true color to be pink. Harry Winston purchased the rough diamond in 1968, divided it into 18 pieces, which were polished into 18 diamonds.
The largest is a 71.73-carat emerald cut flawless diamond known as the Lesotho I. The third largest stone cut from the crystal — the Lesotho III — is a 40.42-carat marquise-shaped gem that was once owned by Jackie Kennedy, given to her by her husband Aristotle Onassis. It was sold at her estate sale auction by Sotheby's in April 1996 for a price of $2,587,500.
That 601-carat rough diamond has been named the 'Lesotho Brown,' after the stone's brown color. In fact, however, upon cutting and polishing, this gem showed its true color to be pink. Harry Winston purchased the rough diamond in 1968, divided it into 18 pieces, which were polished into 18 diamonds.
The largest is a 71.73-carat emerald cut flawless diamond known as the Lesotho I. The third largest stone cut from the crystal — the Lesotho III — is a 40.42-carat marquise-shaped gem that was once owned by Jackie Kennedy, given to her by her husband Aristotle Onassis. It was sold at her estate sale auction by Sotheby's in April 1996 for a price of $2,587,500.
"The diamond [Lesotho III], accompanied by GIA report #8682475 is L color, VS2 clarity. The ring was purchased by Al and Felice Lippert on behalf of their friend Tony O'Reilly of the Heinz Ketchup fortune as a birthday gift for his wife Chryssanthie Goulandris The stone comes with the original working diagram stating that the stone may be potentially flawless." Rapaport News 4-26-96On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 the famous 71.73-carat Lesotho I diamond, estimated at $3 million-$5 million, was offered for sale at the Sotheby's Geneva auction. Along with the other two top diamonds offered at this auction, the Lesotho I failed to sell
Gold Coins – A Great Investment Tool
Gold coins have been in existence almost since the beginning of the civilized world. History is replete with stories and anecdotes regarding coins made out of precious metals that date back centuries. Numismatics is in fact a dedicated branch of study that brings out fascinating aspects of coins. Gold coins are nowadays a preferred mode of investment. People from all walks of life consider gold to be a safe investment option and therefore use their surplus income to purchase them. This is a very popular investment tool amongst middle class people and people with little disposable income.
Gold, as we are all aware is traded in the commodity market and the price of gold fluctuates based on the prevailing market conditions. The prices are also governed by the purity of gold, measured in carats. 24 carat gold coins are the most valued and purest coins available. They are available in various weight denominations and bear the trademarks of the issuing company. Such coins are also sold through major banks, financial institutions as well as big jewelry houses. These days it is mandatory for the sellers to specify the purity of the product in terms of carats. Such coins with holograms command a lot of value in the market and are easy to buy and sell. If a gold coin has historic value attached to it, its price automatically increases in the antique and the curio market. Whatever be the quality and kind of a gold coin, it is very important for the owner to find the right buyer who understands the item and pays as per the existing market price.
In the international commodity market, the price of gold is determined by a lot of factors. The importance of gold can be gauged from the fact that many governments use their gold reserves as an index to determine the amount of money that is to be circulated in the market. Federal banks are custodians of the nations’ gold reserve.
Gold is a favoured investment tool since long, considering the fact that gold price has been seen to appreciate and rarely decline. Besides, since it is a liquid and tangible asset which can be easily bought and sold, an average investor derives a lot of security by investing in gold. With the advent of technology, it is possible to buy Gold ETFs instead of actual gold as this process does not require the investor to keep gold with him. He/she can also purchase gold certificates and redeem them for cash as and when required. Special coins are often issued by companies and governments to commemorate an event or an achievement. Such coins are issued to willing buyers who wish to invest in them.
Gold has been used to make jewelry since long and people have bought gold so that they can sell it in times of need or crisis. Gold items are therefore a great way to invest for a rainy day.
While Buying Gold One Should Ensure The Following Facts:
• Purchase it from a reliable source
• Check the certification, make sure it is done by a nodal agency
• Ensure that the coins are of the prescribed weight and size
While Selling Coins Made From Gold, One Must Follow The Following Steps:
• Do ample research to find out the correct market value of gold
• Consult friends and relatives first to find out if they are interested to buy your gold items or coins
• Visit reliable traders and entities for selling the gold coin at the correct price
• Visit banks and financial institutions to find out at what rate are they buying back gold
• Ensure that you get the right price as per weight , purity and market conditions
In a nut shell, gold coins are a very good way to invest. If one decides to purchase small amounts of gold every month, investing in coins is a very good way to begin. Investing in gold coins suits the large investors also as they are assured of quality and the price of gold witnesses significant appreciation over a period of time.
To learn more about Selling Gold or Selling Silver please visit us at http://www.buynsellgold.com/
Gold, as we are all aware is traded in the commodity market and the price of gold fluctuates based on the prevailing market conditions. The prices are also governed by the purity of gold, measured in carats. 24 carat gold coins are the most valued and purest coins available. They are available in various weight denominations and bear the trademarks of the issuing company. Such coins are also sold through major banks, financial institutions as well as big jewelry houses. These days it is mandatory for the sellers to specify the purity of the product in terms of carats. Such coins with holograms command a lot of value in the market and are easy to buy and sell. If a gold coin has historic value attached to it, its price automatically increases in the antique and the curio market. Whatever be the quality and kind of a gold coin, it is very important for the owner to find the right buyer who understands the item and pays as per the existing market price.
In the international commodity market, the price of gold is determined by a lot of factors. The importance of gold can be gauged from the fact that many governments use their gold reserves as an index to determine the amount of money that is to be circulated in the market. Federal banks are custodians of the nations’ gold reserve.
Gold is a favoured investment tool since long, considering the fact that gold price has been seen to appreciate and rarely decline. Besides, since it is a liquid and tangible asset which can be easily bought and sold, an average investor derives a lot of security by investing in gold. With the advent of technology, it is possible to buy Gold ETFs instead of actual gold as this process does not require the investor to keep gold with him. He/she can also purchase gold certificates and redeem them for cash as and when required. Special coins are often issued by companies and governments to commemorate an event or an achievement. Such coins are issued to willing buyers who wish to invest in them.
Gold has been used to make jewelry since long and people have bought gold so that they can sell it in times of need or crisis. Gold items are therefore a great way to invest for a rainy day.
While Buying Gold One Should Ensure The Following Facts:
• Purchase it from a reliable source
• Check the certification, make sure it is done by a nodal agency
• Ensure that the coins are of the prescribed weight and size
While Selling Coins Made From Gold, One Must Follow The Following Steps:
• Do ample research to find out the correct market value of gold
• Consult friends and relatives first to find out if they are interested to buy your gold items or coins
• Visit reliable traders and entities for selling the gold coin at the correct price
• Visit banks and financial institutions to find out at what rate are they buying back gold
• Ensure that you get the right price as per weight , purity and market conditions
In a nut shell, gold coins are a very good way to invest. If one decides to purchase small amounts of gold every month, investing in coins is a very good way to begin. Investing in gold coins suits the large investors also as they are assured of quality and the price of gold witnesses significant appreciation over a period of time.
To learn more about Selling Gold or Selling Silver please visit us at http://www.buynsellgold.com/
Gold Price The Trend That Has Been
Gold price is determined through its trading in the derivatives and gold market. However, the benchmark price of gold across the world is provided by a process called gold fixing. This originated in September 1919 in London. Since then, it has determined the benchmark gold price in the world. For the US markets, the benchmark gold price is given by the afternoon gold fixing.
Gold price depends on the weight and purity of the metal. Being one of the highly traded metals across the world, its price is quite fluctuating. Troy weight and grams is the measurement of gold, just like all other precious metals.
Gold, by itself, cannot be molded into any shape. It has to be mixed or alloyed with other metals. When alloyed, the amount of gold present in that piece is indicated by a universal measure. This measure is known as karat. 24 karat represents pure gold and as the rating goes down, the gold content also reduces proportionally. Gold purity can also be measured in decimals ranging from 0 to 1. This is known as millesimal fineness. This is mostly done in the case of gold coins and bars. Here, a decimal figure of 0.995 indicates pure gold.
Historically, gold coins were used as currency. Initially, when paper money was introduced, it was used more as a receipt for redeeming gold coins. In the gold standard economic system, a unit of currency was equivalent to a certain measure of gold. The value of the US dollar was set in such a way that one troy ounce of gold was equal to $20.67. This was set by the United States government and was followed for a very long time. This changed in 1934, when the dollar was devalued. Now, a troy ounce of gold costs $35.00.
As the demand for gold kept increasing, it also increased the difficulty of maintaining the gold price at a controlled level. As a result, in the year 1961, a number of banks from United States and Europe formed a pool and decided to manipulate the market to control currency devaluation. This pool of the banks dissolved in 1968.
A two tiered pricing scheme was introduced in its place, in 1968. These were – one, the gold price used to settle international account was by using gold at the old rate of $35.00 per troy ounce. And two, the gold price in the private market could fluctuate. This method was however, abandoned in 1975. Now, the gold price was left to determine its free market level.
Historical gold reserves are still held by the Central banks as a ‘store of value’. This level of gold
The United States Federal Reserve Bank in New York and the United States Bullion Depository at fort Knox has the largest gold depository in the world. Each account to almost 3% of the gold mined across the world.
As per London gold fixing, the gold prices have been fluctuating since 1968. The gold price was at its height in January 1980 at approximate value of $850.00 per troy ounce. But in June 1999, it went down to around $252.90 per troy ounce. The markets were generally in a bearish condition between the years 1999 to 2001 across the world. Though the gold prices were fluctuating, they started to increase from 2001, rapidly.
Since April 2001, gold prices have jumped and have more than trebled the value of US Dollar. Experts declared it to have come out of the bearish phase and entered into a bullish phase.
The high gold price of 1980 was exceeded only in 2008. The London Gold Fixing, in January 2008 had set a new maximum at $865.35 per troy ounce. This was perhaps the beginning of the rise of gold prices across the world. In March 2008, the London Gold Fixing recorded another historical gold price, then at its all time high, at $1023.50 per troy ounce.
The fall of 2009 saw a weakening of the US dollar and an increase in the demand for gold. This was reason enough for the gold price to shoot up. Thus, in December 2009, the gold market gained a rapid momentum and the gold price per troy ounce closed at $1215.
May 2010 saw the gold prices hitting its record height yet again. Now, this was mainly due to the European Union Debt Crisis. Because of this crisis, the purchase of gold as a safe asset class increased.
The gold price is going to have an upward or a bullish momentum in the near future as well, considering the trend that has been. But, like any other asset class, it also has its own price cycle and would see a bearish phase again. That would be the best time to stock on gold.
To learn more about Selling Gold or Selling Silver please visit us at http://www.buynsellgold.com/ reserves with the central banks is gradually declining.
Gold price depends on the weight and purity of the metal. Being one of the highly traded metals across the world, its price is quite fluctuating. Troy weight and grams is the measurement of gold, just like all other precious metals.
Gold, by itself, cannot be molded into any shape. It has to be mixed or alloyed with other metals. When alloyed, the amount of gold present in that piece is indicated by a universal measure. This measure is known as karat. 24 karat represents pure gold and as the rating goes down, the gold content also reduces proportionally. Gold purity can also be measured in decimals ranging from 0 to 1. This is known as millesimal fineness. This is mostly done in the case of gold coins and bars. Here, a decimal figure of 0.995 indicates pure gold.
Historically, gold coins were used as currency. Initially, when paper money was introduced, it was used more as a receipt for redeeming gold coins. In the gold standard economic system, a unit of currency was equivalent to a certain measure of gold. The value of the US dollar was set in such a way that one troy ounce of gold was equal to $20.67. This was set by the United States government and was followed for a very long time. This changed in 1934, when the dollar was devalued. Now, a troy ounce of gold costs $35.00.
As the demand for gold kept increasing, it also increased the difficulty of maintaining the gold price at a controlled level. As a result, in the year 1961, a number of banks from United States and Europe formed a pool and decided to manipulate the market to control currency devaluation. This pool of the banks dissolved in 1968.
A two tiered pricing scheme was introduced in its place, in 1968. These were – one, the gold price used to settle international account was by using gold at the old rate of $35.00 per troy ounce. And two, the gold price in the private market could fluctuate. This method was however, abandoned in 1975. Now, the gold price was left to determine its free market level.
Historical gold reserves are still held by the Central banks as a ‘store of value’. This level of gold
The United States Federal Reserve Bank in New York and the United States Bullion Depository at fort Knox has the largest gold depository in the world. Each account to almost 3% of the gold mined across the world.
As per London gold fixing, the gold prices have been fluctuating since 1968. The gold price was at its height in January 1980 at approximate value of $850.00 per troy ounce. But in June 1999, it went down to around $252.90 per troy ounce. The markets were generally in a bearish condition between the years 1999 to 2001 across the world. Though the gold prices were fluctuating, they started to increase from 2001, rapidly.
Since April 2001, gold prices have jumped and have more than trebled the value of US Dollar. Experts declared it to have come out of the bearish phase and entered into a bullish phase.
The high gold price of 1980 was exceeded only in 2008. The London Gold Fixing, in January 2008 had set a new maximum at $865.35 per troy ounce. This was perhaps the beginning of the rise of gold prices across the world. In March 2008, the London Gold Fixing recorded another historical gold price, then at its all time high, at $1023.50 per troy ounce.
The fall of 2009 saw a weakening of the US dollar and an increase in the demand for gold. This was reason enough for the gold price to shoot up. Thus, in December 2009, the gold market gained a rapid momentum and the gold price per troy ounce closed at $1215.
May 2010 saw the gold prices hitting its record height yet again. Now, this was mainly due to the European Union Debt Crisis. Because of this crisis, the purchase of gold as a safe asset class increased.
The gold price is going to have an upward or a bullish momentum in the near future as well, considering the trend that has been. But, like any other asset class, it also has its own price cycle and would see a bearish phase again. That would be the best time to stock on gold.
To learn more about Selling Gold or Selling Silver please visit us at http://www.buynsellgold.com/ reserves with the central banks is gradually declining.
Innovative Ways To Sell Gold Jewelry
There are several ways to sell gold jewelry. Most of the conventional methods of buying and selling of gold are giving way to the better modern methods. One of the latest methods is the online method of selling gold. If you have some unwanted gold ornaments to be sold off and you don’t have the time to go to a gold jeweler, you can sell it online. Online Means of Selling Gold Ornaments
So how does the online selling of gold really work? Well, there are three basic steps that you need to perform to sell your old unwanted gold. The first step is to place your gold ornaments in the provided Gold Return Pack. The second step involves you enclosing the gold return pack and the signed customer return card in a pre-paid mailing envelope, sealing it properly, and then dropping it in the mail. When the gold dealer website gets your Gold Return Pack, you will be intimated through an e-mail message. You will receive a second message when the expert goldsmiths of the online gold dealer website have reviewed your gold ornaments. In the third and final step, you will have to log on your account at the online gold dealer website and accept or deny the offer.
Although this method seems to be very easy and simple, you may still feel the need to go to the goldsmith or gold dealer to sell gold jewelry . Modern methods take some time to take root in the age-old mindset of people. However, with reputed gold dealer companies, you should not have much problem. If you are still not sure about the authenticity of such a transaction, you can do some research and find out more about these transactions. You may also want to take some legal help before you sell lots of gold jewelry using this novel and innovative method.
You need to read the terms and conditions of the online gold dealer before you take any decision. Most gold dealers have websites that give information on gold rates, contact information and other details. If you have some gold jewelry to sell and you want to use the Internet for the transactions, you can do so after some expert consultation. There are several gold consultants who have good experience in guiding you to sell your gold to the right person and through proper channels.
Testing Of The Purity Of Gold Ornaments
When selling your gold jewelry, you need to be aware of the different methods that are used to test the gold for its purity. Three of the most common methods that are used for such testing are- electronic testing, scratch testing and x-ray fluorescence testing.
When you sell gold jewelry, the gold testing professional may use any of the aforementioned methods. In most instances, the electronic methods and the scratch methods are used. The scratch testing is the easiest and the fastest method for gold testing. This method uses needles that have certain levels of gold and low-grade acid solutions, which correspond to each karat level. During the test, the goldsmith or the gold testing professional takes the gold ornaments and treats them with acids and compares the scratches from the needles. Subsequently, the tester can then confirm the purity of the gold ornaments.
In the electronic testing method, the gold testing professional uses state-of-the-art electronic testing equipment, which comprises an advanced meter connecting wires and alligator clips. The gold ornaments that need to be tested are attached to the meter using the alligator clips and the connecting wires. Then some testing solution is put on the gold ornaments. The readings then appear on the meter and the gold testing professional makes a note of the reading. When you want to sell gold jewelry , you can do the testing of the gold at your expense or at the expense of the gold buyer who approaches you to sell your old gold ornaments. The value of gold is ever increasing and you need to keep a tab on the market rates. Although most goldsmiths would not cheat you, it is recommended that you do some research in the field of selling and buying gold.
To learn more about Selling Gold or Selling Silver please visit us at http://www.buynsellgold.com/
So how does the online selling of gold really work? Well, there are three basic steps that you need to perform to sell your old unwanted gold. The first step is to place your gold ornaments in the provided Gold Return Pack. The second step involves you enclosing the gold return pack and the signed customer return card in a pre-paid mailing envelope, sealing it properly, and then dropping it in the mail. When the gold dealer website gets your Gold Return Pack, you will be intimated through an e-mail message. You will receive a second message when the expert goldsmiths of the online gold dealer website have reviewed your gold ornaments. In the third and final step, you will have to log on your account at the online gold dealer website and accept or deny the offer.
Although this method seems to be very easy and simple, you may still feel the need to go to the goldsmith or gold dealer to sell gold jewelry . Modern methods take some time to take root in the age-old mindset of people. However, with reputed gold dealer companies, you should not have much problem. If you are still not sure about the authenticity of such a transaction, you can do some research and find out more about these transactions. You may also want to take some legal help before you sell lots of gold jewelry using this novel and innovative method.
You need to read the terms and conditions of the online gold dealer before you take any decision. Most gold dealers have websites that give information on gold rates, contact information and other details. If you have some gold jewelry to sell and you want to use the Internet for the transactions, you can do so after some expert consultation. There are several gold consultants who have good experience in guiding you to sell your gold to the right person and through proper channels.
Testing Of The Purity Of Gold Ornaments
When selling your gold jewelry, you need to be aware of the different methods that are used to test the gold for its purity. Three of the most common methods that are used for such testing are- electronic testing, scratch testing and x-ray fluorescence testing.
When you sell gold jewelry, the gold testing professional may use any of the aforementioned methods. In most instances, the electronic methods and the scratch methods are used. The scratch testing is the easiest and the fastest method for gold testing. This method uses needles that have certain levels of gold and low-grade acid solutions, which correspond to each karat level. During the test, the goldsmith or the gold testing professional takes the gold ornaments and treats them with acids and compares the scratches from the needles. Subsequently, the tester can then confirm the purity of the gold ornaments.
In the electronic testing method, the gold testing professional uses state-of-the-art electronic testing equipment, which comprises an advanced meter connecting wires and alligator clips. The gold ornaments that need to be tested are attached to the meter using the alligator clips and the connecting wires. Then some testing solution is put on the gold ornaments. The readings then appear on the meter and the gold testing professional makes a note of the reading. When you want to sell gold jewelry , you can do the testing of the gold at your expense or at the expense of the gold buyer who approaches you to sell your old gold ornaments. The value of gold is ever increasing and you need to keep a tab on the market rates. Although most goldsmiths would not cheat you, it is recommended that you do some research in the field of selling and buying gold.
To learn more about Selling Gold or Selling Silver please visit us at http://www.buynsellgold.com/
Expert Tips To Sell Scrap Gold
If you are looking to sell scrap gold, you can do it by either selling it directly to the scrap gold dealer or by using the online means. Both these methods are good and will yield you the best rates. However, you need to be aware of the current rates of scrap gold. Before you sell the scrap gold, you will have to research for the current rate as the rates flucte on a daily basis. So you need to be very alert when you are selling your scrap gold.
Finding The Best Scrap Gold Dealer
To know the current rates of scrap gold, you can check out some good websites that have the latest information on gold and its rates. Alternatively, you can also check for the rates of gold in the local newspapers. You will have to do some simple calculations to find the exact price of the gold that you wish to sell. If you are not aware ofit, you will have to either get someone reliable to do the calculations for you or you can do it on your own after doing some research work. There are several gold consultants who can help you with the calculations of gold rates. These gold consultants can also run few tests to identify the purity of your scrap gold.
Scrap gold defers in quality depending upon the location from where it is obtained. Scrap gold can be obtained from a variety of day to day items like:
There are plenty of buyers of scrap gold in the market today. You need to identify the best buyer who will give you the best price. The scrap gold buyers use different methods to determine purity. The most important part here is that the scrap gold dealer would seldom tell you the method he or she is using to identify the purity of the scrap gold.
Modern Ways Of Selling Scrap Gold
There are gold dealer companies that have special gold kits. All you need to do is to pack your scrap gold into these special gold kits and fill up a very simple form and mail it to the gold dealer company. The gold dealer company then evaluates your scrap gold and then offers you a certain price, which you can either accept or deny. There are three ways in which the gold dealer informs you about the price of your scrap gold. The gold dealer may directly pick up his phone and make a call to tell you the rates being offered or send you an e-mail clearly specifying the rates. In the third method, the gold dealer may send you a letter giving all the details of the scrap gold that you have sent along with the rates being offered.
Depending on the type of gold dealer and the purity of the scrap gold, you will get the price for your scrap gold. For all transactions, make a note of all the gold items that you are sending. If you have a digital camera, take the photographs of the scrap gold items that you are sending. Ensure that you save the images at a secure location so that they can be retrieved whenever you desire. Before you sell scrap gold, make sure to understand the process and procedures of the scrap gold dealer. Also make sure to save all the copies of communication between yourself and the gold dealer.
The original topic : http://www.buynsellgold.com/blog/expert-tips-to-sell-scrap-gold/
Finding The Best Scrap Gold Dealer
To know the current rates of scrap gold, you can check out some good websites that have the latest information on gold and its rates. Alternatively, you can also check for the rates of gold in the local newspapers. You will have to do some simple calculations to find the exact price of the gold that you wish to sell. If you are not aware ofit, you will have to either get someone reliable to do the calculations for you or you can do it on your own after doing some research work. There are several gold consultants who can help you with the calculations of gold rates. These gold consultants can also run few tests to identify the purity of your scrap gold.
Scrap gold defers in quality depending upon the location from where it is obtained. Scrap gold can be obtained from a variety of day to day items like:
- Old computers
- Wires
- Circuit boards
- Cell phones
There are plenty of buyers of scrap gold in the market today. You need to identify the best buyer who will give you the best price. The scrap gold buyers use different methods to determine purity. The most important part here is that the scrap gold dealer would seldom tell you the method he or she is using to identify the purity of the scrap gold.
Modern Ways Of Selling Scrap Gold
There are gold dealer companies that have special gold kits. All you need to do is to pack your scrap gold into these special gold kits and fill up a very simple form and mail it to the gold dealer company. The gold dealer company then evaluates your scrap gold and then offers you a certain price, which you can either accept or deny. There are three ways in which the gold dealer informs you about the price of your scrap gold. The gold dealer may directly pick up his phone and make a call to tell you the rates being offered or send you an e-mail clearly specifying the rates. In the third method, the gold dealer may send you a letter giving all the details of the scrap gold that you have sent along with the rates being offered.
Depending on the type of gold dealer and the purity of the scrap gold, you will get the price for your scrap gold. For all transactions, make a note of all the gold items that you are sending. If you have a digital camera, take the photographs of the scrap gold items that you are sending. Ensure that you save the images at a secure location so that they can be retrieved whenever you desire. Before you sell scrap gold, make sure to understand the process and procedures of the scrap gold dealer. Also make sure to save all the copies of communication between yourself and the gold dealer.
The original topic : http://www.buynsellgold.com/blog/expert-tips-to-sell-scrap-gold/
Diamonds as an investment - Buying and selling for profit
Jewels and gems last a long time, so good sales people will make claims like this is an "investments" and "will always be worth more than what they cost". But that assumes the goods rise in value and you can easily sell them with low sale costs. Demand and supply is everything.
Jewels historically appreciate at about the rate money inflates; in the words of Dave Atlas – "Most luxury items we buy wear out or rot". Jewelry, and especially diamonds, can last forever and have more "intrinsic value" than cars and houses. Land has "Intrinsic value" and so too do gold and diamonds. But the "fashion value" can be fickle, unless the piece is a rare collectable.
To sell the biggest problem is finding a buyer, one who shares your taste and wants to buy what you want to sell right now.
However,
Clothing stores have huge mark-ups; this we know from the end of season sales markdowns. But clothing stores turn their stock around 4 times faster than jewelers; so to make up for stock turns jewelers need very big mark-ups to stay in business.
So why buy jewelry as an investment?
OK, you are not buying jewelry to sell for a profit. But you want to buy something that will gain in intrinsic value. What is the best investment?
There are lots of opportunities for those prepared to do some homework via Pricescope and the internet to both enjoy beautiful diamonds and secure a bit of diversity in your investments. But don't buy with a goal of making money by reselling, unless you make it your raison d'etre.
Best of all, many vendors will trade diamonds up. Some are especially generous with stones they sold in the first place. The only caveat is that that you must spend the same amount as the original purchase or the trade in value.
Jewels historically appreciate at about the rate money inflates; in the words of Dave Atlas – "Most luxury items we buy wear out or rot". Jewelry, and especially diamonds, can last forever and have more "intrinsic value" than cars and houses. Land has "Intrinsic value" and so too do gold and diamonds. But the "fashion value" can be fickle, unless the piece is a rare collectable.
To sell the biggest problem is finding a buyer, one who shares your taste and wants to buy what you want to sell right now.
However,
- Do buyers trust you? How do they know it is real? A jewelers name and reputation, like Tiffany, command a premium because of trust. You may loose that premium when you sell.
- Unless you are famous, you offer a buyer little or no prestige, and no flexibility, or service (e.g. ring sizing, appraisal etc.)
- Buyers usually only want the stone(s). They give you nothing for your setting.
Clothing stores have huge mark-ups; this we know from the end of season sales markdowns. But clothing stores turn their stock around 4 times faster than jewelers; so to make up for stock turns jewelers need very big mark-ups to stay in business.
So why buy jewelry as an investment?
- Not everyone trusts banks. In some cultures and countries often +10% of wealth is "portable". Cashing in gold and diamonds helped many Chinese escape from Indonesia in 1997.
- Some women consider their jewels as security or "running away assets" (few diamonds are returned if the relationship ends).
- Jewels are emotional or family investments; a band of diamonds marks a child's birth, a ruby bangle for a 40th wedding anniversary etc. They are usually an important part of an inheritance. The more love in the family, the higher the non monetary value.
- A $100,000 diamond ring has more 'investment' potential than a $1,000 ring. You do not buy a $1,000 painting hoping to sell it in a few years for $5,000. There is relatively less cost to selling an expensive piece; as the value goes up, seller's margins come down, just like in real estate.
- Less people are diamond investors. It is easier for a buyer to compare the prices of many similar cars, properties or shares. Jewelry requires a lot of specialized expertise.
OK, you are not buying jewelry to sell for a profit. But you want to buy something that will gain in intrinsic value. What is the best investment?
- Consider buying something that can be worn most of the time (not left at home for thieves) and you may not need to pay to insure it.
- A single diamond does not go up in value faster than say a pair or a matched set in a 3 stone ring.
- But a single stone may be more liquid than a collection. A single stone might cost less to set.
- “Investment diamonds must be D Flawless or VVS quality”. What rubbish! Rarer diamonds are the hardest for you to sell. Medium quality diamonds (with no visible imperfections or obvious discoloration) are more saleable, and go up in value at a proportional rate to rarer more expensive diamonds.
- Princess cuts are hot at the moment, but in a few years they will be passe. Heart shapes, marquise and other shapes come and go in fashion. Round brilliant cut diamonds are definitely the best most resell-able in the long-term.
- 90% of round diamonds are poorly cut. A clever buyer will buy a non-traditional ‘Ideal Cut' diamond that will fit into the new GIA and AGS best cut standards.
- Fancy colored pink diamonds may become rare if the Australian Argyle mine output falls as appears likely. But pinks are hard to re-sell.
There are lots of opportunities for those prepared to do some homework via Pricescope and the internet to both enjoy beautiful diamonds and secure a bit of diversity in your investments. But don't buy with a goal of making money by reselling, unless you make it your raison d'etre.
Best of all, many vendors will trade diamonds up. Some are especially generous with stones they sold in the first place. The only caveat is that that you must spend the same amount as the original purchase or the trade in value.
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